The Rise of Yrigoyen and Argentina's Democratic Experiment

This episode explores the political ascent of Hipólito Yrigoyen, leader of the Radical Civic Union, and his pivotal role in dismantling the oligarchic grip on Argentine politics. We examine the Sáenz Peña Law of 1912, which introduced secret male suffrage, and how it led to Yrigoyen’s unexpected victory in 1916. The narrative details his first presidency (1916–1922), focusing on his efforts to regulate oil resources through the creation of YPF, his attempts at labor reform, and the complex relationship with the military elite. We also look at the social tensions of the era, including the rise of anarchist movements and the state's response during the Tragic Week of 1919. By contrasting Yrigoyen’s populism with the conservative establishment, we uncover the foundations of modern Argentine democracy and the enduring legacy of his radicalism.

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