May Revolution Facts for Kids

An important meeting called an "open cabildo" happened on May 22.

The May Revolution was a big event that took place in Buenos Aires from May 18 to 25, 1810. At that time, Buenos Aires was the main city of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. This was a large Spanish colony that included parts of what are now Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

The revolution led to the removal of the Spanish ruler, called a Viceroy, whose name was Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros. In his place, a local government was formed, known as the "Primera Junta" (First Council). Today, people in Argentina celebrate this week as "May Week" (Spanish: Semana de Mayo).

This revolution happened because of problems in Spain. In 1808, the King of Spain, Ferdinand VII, gave up his throne to Napoleon. Napoleon then made his own brother, Joseph Bonaparte, the new King of Spain. This made many people in the Spanish colonies wonder who was truly in charge.

The May Revolution was the start of the Argentine War of Independence. Even though a new government was formed, they didn't immediately declare independence. The Primera Junta said they were still ruling in the name of the old King Ferdinand VII. Argentina officially declared its independence later, on July 9, 1816, at the Congress of Tucumán.

What Was the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata?
Why Did the Revolution Happen?
Key Events of May Week (May 18-25, 1810)
The Primera Junta: Argentina's First Local Government
Images for kids
See also

What Was the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata?

The Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata was a huge area in South America controlled by Spain. It was like a big province ruled by a special governor called a Viceroy. The Viceroy was chosen by the King of Spain and had a lot of power. Buenos Aires was the capital city of this large territory.

Why Did the Revolution Happen?

The main reason for the May Revolution was the situation in Spain.

King Ferdinand VII Loses His Throne: In 1808, France, led by Napoleon, invaded Spain. King Ferdinand VII was forced to give up his crown.
Napoleon's Brother Becomes King: Napoleon put his brother, Joseph Bonaparte, on the Spanish throne. Many people in Spain and its colonies did not accept Joseph as their king.
Doubts About Spanish Rule: This created a big problem. If the King of Spain was no longer truly in power, then did the Viceroy in Buenos Aires still have the right to rule? This question made people in Buenos Aires think about governing themselves.

Key Events of May Week (May 18-25, 1810)

The week of May 18 to 25 was full of important meetings and decisions in Buenos Aires.

May 18: News arrived that the Spanish government that was fighting Napoleon had been defeated. This made the Viceroy's power seem even weaker.
May 19: Local leaders in Buenos Aires asked the Viceroy, Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros, to call an "open cabildo."
May 22: An "open cabildo" was a special meeting where important citizens could discuss serious issues. During this meeting, people debated whether the Viceroy still had the right to rule. Many argued that since the King of Spain was not in power, the people of Buenos Aires should govern themselves.
May 24: The Viceroy tried to stay in power by forming a new government with himself as the head. But the people of Buenos Aires did not accept this.
May 25: A large crowd gathered in front of the Buenos Aires Cabildo (the city hall). They demanded that the Viceroy step down completely. Finally, the Viceroy resigned, and the "Primera Junta" was formed. This new government was made up of local leaders.

The Primera Junta: Argentina's First Local Government

The Primera Junta was the first government in Argentina that was not directly controlled by Spain.

Members: It had nine members. Cornelio Saavedra was the president, and Mariano Moreno was a very important secretary.
Goals: The Junta's main goal was to govern the region and protect the rights of the people. They said they were still loyal to King Ferdinand VII, but in reality, they were starting to take control of their own destiny.
Beginning of Independence: Even though they didn't declare independence right away, the formation of the Primera Junta was a huge step towards Argentina becoming a free country.

Images for kids

The rule of Joseph Bonaparte as King of Spain was resisted by Spaniards, and cast doubts on the legitimacy of the Spanish viceroys.
The US Declaration of Independence inspired similar movements in the Spanish colonies in South America.
William Carr Beresford surrenders to Santiago de Liniers during the British invasions of the Río de la Plata.
The coronation of Infanta Carlota Joaquina was considered an alternative to revolution.
The coronation of Carlota Joaquina de Borbón was briefly considered an alternative to the Revolution.
Map of Cádiz during the French siege.
Secret meeting of the revolutionaries at the house of Nicolás Rodríguez Peña.
Juan José Castelli asks Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros for an open cabildo.
Invitation to the open cabildo of May 22
An open cabildo discussed the legitimacy of the viceroy and the new local government that replaced him.
Pedro Murillo
The proposal of Cornelio Saavedra got the majority of votes.
The people gathered in front of the Buenos Aires Cabildo
Members of the Primera Junta
The Primera Junta ruled after the revolution.
Mariano Moreno was an influential member of the Primera Junta.
Bartolomé Mitre wrote one of the first historical interpretations of the May Revolution.
The revolutionaries of the May Revolution declared loyalty to Ferdinand VII of Spain.
The May Pyramid, commemorative monument at Plaza de Mayo