Declaration of Independence of the United Provinces of South America at Tucumán

Background. Following the May Revolution of 1810, the Viceroy was replaced by the Primera Junta. The provinces moved towards full independence, but royalist forces from the Viceroyalty of Peru threatened the revolution in Upper Peru. In 1814, the Spanish monarchy resumed its functions, determined to recover control over its colonies. A revolution in April 1815 ended the mandate of Carlos María de Alvear and called for a General Congress.

Declaration. On July 9, 1816, the Congress declared the independence of the United Provinces of South America. This name was intended to appeal to other Spanish American independentist regions. The declaration was written in Spanish and translated into Quechua and Aymara. The house where the declaration was adopted is now a museum and monument, the House of Tucumán.

Aftermath. The Congress continued its work in Buenos Aires in 1817 and issued a Constitution in 1819. However, the Constitution was rejected, and the Congress was dissolved in 1820 after the Battle of Cepeda. This battle deepened differences between the Unitarian Party, favoring a strong central government, and the Federales, favoring a weak central government.