16th–18th c.

Spanish conquest and the colony

In the 16th century, the Spanish conquest began in search of wealth. It was the arrival of European civilization and, for indigenous peoples, also an invasion.

Two foundings and a colonial society

In 1536, Pedro de Mendoza founded the first Buenos Aires on the bank of the Río de la Plata, but it was abandoned within a few years amid indigenous resistance and famine. In 1580, Juan de Garay re-founded the city, moving south from the Asunción region.

Spanish colonial rule incorporated indigenous people as labor under the encomienda system, accompanied by Catholic missionary work. The Río de la Plata long remained a periphery of the empire, where smuggling sustained daily life.

The Viceroyalty and two perspectives

In 1776, Buenos Aires became the capital of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata and rapidly grew in importance as the port that carried the silver wealth of Potosí.

Many Argentines today see this “conquista” as both the starting point of ties to European civilization and a process in which indigenous lands, lives and cultures were taken. Holding both the conquerors' logic (Western history) and the view of the dispossessed is what makes for an honest reckoning.

Key terms

Founding of Buenos Aires: Twice: 1536 (abandoned) and 1580 (re-founded).
Encomienda: The colonial system that assigned indigenous people as labor.
Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata: Established 1776, with Buenos Aires as capital.

In the 16th century, people from Spain crossed the sea and arrived.

Spain took control of this land and built a city (Buenos Aires). But for the indigenous peoples who already lived here, it also meant losing their land. It is important to see both the good and the painful sides.

Key terms

Buenos Aires: The city the Spanish built — today's capital.
Conquest: Taking control of a land by force.