Around The World
Argentina Timeline
Travel through our timeline of major events in Argentina's history.
1516
Explorer Juan Dìaz de Solis discovers Rio de la Plata. Spain later claims it and the surrounding region.
STEPHEN ST. JOHN—NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC/GETTY IMAGES
1776
Spain creates a large colony called the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata. It covers present-day Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and southern Bolivia. Buenos Aires is named its capital.1810
On May 25, armed citizens of Buenos Aires kick out the Spanish Viceroy and establish a government.1816-1817
Argentina declares its independence from Spain. José de San Martín defeats Spanish forces in Chile.1880s
Argentina becomes a major exporter of wool, wheat and beef. Soon, it becomes the richest nation in Latin America.1943
A group of military officers seizes power.
AP
1946
Colonel Juan Perón is elected president. He promises higher wages and better working conditions. His wife, Eva "Evita" Perón, is in charge of labor relations. She becomes a powerful political figure.1982
Argentina goes to war with Britain over control of the Falkland Islands. Argentina’s military government collapses, ending a period of repression.1991
The government makes the peso equal to the value of the U.S. dollar. This helps to stabilize the Argentine economy.
FERNANDO MASSOBRIO—LA NACION/AP