(1916-1932)

The emergence of Radicalism and its social support of radicalism as a new actor in the political arena was primarily based on its role as the declared opposition of the conservative order and on the way it presented itself to the public through its commitment to the law and the practice of universal suffrage. Two key figures of this period were Yrigoyen and Alvear, whose diametrically opposed personalities gave rise to very different styles of government.

This ideological and discursive construction of the radical party was initially led by Hipólito Yrigoyen, though the initial enthusiasm gave way to a difficult presidency due to the lack of support in the Legislative Branch, which remained under conservative control, as well as the internal conflict within the party. On the other hand, the growing mobilization of workers with strong anarchist leanings - which had erupted during the Centennial of the May Revolution - caused extreme situations such as the declaration of a state of siege.

Economically, the agro export model was maintained, although simultaneously the domestic market and industrial development experienced a downturn. Furthermore, the global crisis brought about by the First World War had a profound impact on the country, triggering episodes of intense violence such as the “Tragic Week” and “Patagonia Rebelde” (the general labour strikes in Patagonia). Despite these difficulties, the government succeeded in promoting the development of oil resources through YPF and the expansion of the railway network.

The second Radical presidency was that of Marcelo T. de Alvear, who had a strong inclination toward constant public exposure and enjoyed appearing at cultural events alongside his wife, the soprano Regina Pacini. This period was marked by economic growth favoured by the international context, with a significant increase in imports of all kinds, including automobiles, textiles, etc. Several laws benefiting the working class were enacted. However, the Radical Party was internally divided, which led to a series of ministerial crises and a realignment of forces within the party.