Conquest of the Desert

In the late 1800s, Argentine politicians sought progress similar to the US and European countries. This meant that the government encouraged immigration and investment from European countries. These politicians, called "liberals," wanted more land in the center of Argentina for growth and development for these foreign workers and companies. To do this, a few military leaders like future president Julio Roca [who-lyo row-ka] led in the 1870s and 1880s the "Conquest of the Desert," a military campaign to move natives off the land in preparation for foreigners. Many natives were killed or migrated to other parts of the country or continent. This is a picture of General/President Roca.

This represents a sad time in Argentine history when many peoples and their cultures were exterminated. Roca has monuments to him, streets named after him, and other honors. He did other things while president that make him popular, but he is certainly not seen as a villain. This represents an important aspect of Argentine culture. Argentina has often eaten better and been richer than most other South American countries. Because of the European heritage, many Argentines have very light skin (see the pictures in the post below about Argentines in the NBA).

Because of this heritage, a feeling of superiority comes to Argentines and many other Hispanics of European heritage throughout Latin America. Traditionally the whiter a person is, the more opportunities and privileges he or she will have. Therefore, Argentina has often been a country that tries to look to Europe and not the rest of Latin America, often making others in the region roll their eyes. In any case, the "Conquest of the Desert" represents an ideal that still exists today in many Argentines' mind: the lighter the skin the better and the more opportunity for progress.