Background
Bernardino Rivadavia was born on 20 May 1780 in Buenos Aires.
government official politician president
Bernardino Rivadavia was born on 20 May 1780 in Buenos Aires.
He was educated in the Colegio de San Carlos in Buenos Aires, and while still a schoolboy took part in the successful defense of Buenos Aires under Governor Santiago Liniers against British attempts to capture the city. In 1809, when Liniers faced a successful revolt, Rivadavia continued to support the governor.
On May 25, 1810, he took part in the cabildo abierto meeting in Buenos Aires which launched the Argentine independence movement.
Rivadavia became minister of war of the new Argentine government in 1811, and subsequently was also minister of finance and of government. However, he withdrew from the government in 1812, when the incumbent regime was overthrown. In 1814 he was named minister to various European countries and did not return home until 1820.
Upon his return, Rivadavia was named minister of government of Buenos Aires Province, in which capacity he contributed to the organization of a viable provincial administration.
Subsequently, Rivadavia was named Argentine minister to Great Britain. In 1826 he was elected president.
With the eruption of caudillo-led revolts in various parts of the country, Rivadavia resigned in June 1827. Two years later he went back to Europe, returning home only in 1834, when he presented himself to the courts to answer charges made by his political enemies. He was exiled first to Brazil and then to Spain, where he died.