Argentina declared its independence from Spain in 1816.

The 19th century was marked by internal conflicts between centralists and federalists and the rule of authoritarian figures ('caudillos').

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Argentina became extremely prosperous due to the export of agricultural products like beef and grain.

This era saw massive immigration from Europe, particularly from Italy and Spain, which profoundly shaped Argentine society.

The mid-20th century was dominated by the figure of Juan Perón and his populist political movement, Peronism, supported by his influential wife, Eva 'Evita' Perón.

After Perón's overthrow, Argentina experienced decades of political instability, alternating between civilian governments and military juntas.

The military dictatorship from 1976 to 1983 was particularly brutal, known as the 'Dirty War,' during which thousands of political opponents were 'disappeared.'

Argentina's defeat in the 1982 Falklands War (Guerra de las Malvinas) against the UK led to the collapse of the military junta.

The country has since been a democracy but has faced recurring economic crises.

Argentine history is characterized by cycles of economic booms and busts, and the enduring influence of Peronism.