Following the fight for independence and abolishment of slavery, economies throughout the world competed to obtain the abundant goods within the newly formed Latin American countries. It began to usher in a new era, often referred to as “the golden age of export”. The Northern manufacturers; in particular those coming through New Orleans, had offered a wide range of variety including steam engines, automobiles, telephones etc. Goods that the citizens of Latin America had never seen before enabled them to completely change their ways of living for the better. (Dawson 100) The exportation of native goods such as sugar, tobacco, coffee and many others allowed for a safe and equal exchange of services. The constant flow of exports in and out of Latin America allowed for the construction of railroads through the land and docking ports in major cities along the water. Those including Buenos Aires, Medellin, and others used the profits from the exportation division to develop not only better working and living conditions, but also created new levels within the social class system. (Dawson 104) The introduction of middle managers, small businessmen and others were able to contribute and ultimately increase the overall GDP of Latin American nations. In an unprecedented situation, the steep rise in exportation profits enabled women to enter the working class, leaving behind their primary duty of household care. They inducted themselves into the working class, donning managerial roles for their newly established family businesses and led to the rise in the women’s suffrage and equal rights movement.
Eventually, Argentina had a strong claim to belonging as one of the richest countries in the world by the early twentieth century. The port of Buenos Aires is without a doubt the prime reason the Argentinians were able to make this bold statement. The influx of not only goods but also people through the port, showcasing a population of around 1.5 million people adding more than 5 million immigrants from Europe. (Dawson 107) This also didn’t just allow the changing of how people live physically, but also through a social standpoint, enabling the reduction of racial standards and introducing more diversity with European immigrants. The establishment of the port of Buenos Aires, alongside many others throughout Latin America, guided their rise in power to become a booming economy across the globe.
WORK CITED:
Dawson, Alexander. Latin America since Independence: A History with Primary Sources. 3rd ed. New York: Routledge, 2022.