Revolution of October 8, 1812 facts for kids
| Date | October 8, 1812 |
|---|---|
| Location | Buenos Aires |
| Participants | José de San Martín, Carlos María de Alvear |
| Outcome | Fall of the First Triumvirate, appointment of the Second Triumvirate |
The Revolution of October 8, 1812 (also known as Revolución del 8 de octubre de 1812 in Spanish) was an important event during the Argentine War of Independence. It happened when leaders like José de San Martín and Carlos María de Alvear helped to remove the government called the First Triumvirate. This revolution led to a new government, the Second Triumvirate, which then called for a big meeting known as the Assembly of Year XIII.
Why the Revolution Happened
The First Triumvirate was a group of three leaders who governed Argentina during the Argentine War of Independence. This government took over after a larger group called the Junta Grande was no longer in power.
The First Triumvirate had a more traditional way of governing. They had removed some people who supported Mariano Moreno. Moreno was a key figure in the May Revolution, which started the independence movement.
Later, a plot against the government by a royalist (someone loyal to the Spanish king) named Martín de Álzaga made different groups work together again. Álzaga's plot was stopped, and he was executed. This event helped Moreno's supporters return to politics.
Many Argentine officers who had been fighting in Spain came back home. Spain was losing the Peninsular War against France. Two very important officers were José de San Martín and Carlos María de Alvear. They set up a local branch of a secret group called the Lodge of Rational Knights. Soon, they became leaders in the local military.
The Revolution Unfolds
Both the people who supported Moreno and the new military leaders did not like the First Triumvirate's traditional policies. They wanted a government that believed in new ideas from the Age of Enlightenment. These ideas were about freedom and progress, similar to what the first government, the Primera Junta, had aimed for.
The revolution started because the terms of two leaders, Manuel de Sarratea and Feliciano Chiclana, were ending. Juan Martín de Pueyrredón wanted to bring in new members who did not support Moreno's ideas. These new members were Manuel Obligado and Pedro Medrano.
People across the city began to protest. This riot was led by Bernardo de Monteagudo. Protesters attacked the homes of Pueyrredón and Bernardino Rivadavia.
On the night of October 7, a military group led by San Martín and Alvear took a stand. They positioned themselves in front of the Buenos Aires Cabildo. The Cabildo was like the city hall and a local government body. The military supported the people's demands.
The Cabildo then stopped the meeting that was going to elect Obligado and Medrano. The Cabildo took control of the government again.
There were rumors that San Martín or Alvear might become the new leaders. But they said they would not take any position. They explained that the military did not get involved to take power by force. They just wanted to make sure that the people's wishes were respected.
So, the Cabildo chose a new government, the Second Triumvirate. The new members were:
- Nicolás Rodríguez Peña (elected with 172 votes)
- Antonio Álvarez Jonte (elected with 147 votes)
- Juan José Paso (elected with 96 votes)
This new Triumvirate then called for the Assembly of Year XIII. This was something the people had wanted for a long time, but the First Triumvirate had avoided it.
See also
In Spanish: Revolución del 8 de octubre de 1812 para niños
