Argentina’s Economic Boom: Key Factors (1880s Onward)
The significant economic expansion experienced by Argentina since the 1880s was driven by a combination of three crucial elements:
Institutional Reforms
The year 1880 marked a pivotal moment, aligning with the potential to strengthen an economic process already showing substantial advances. It was only after this date, through the final establishment of a national authority, that the necessary policy framework could be achieved to safeguard and promote the economic expansion of this period.
Infrastructure and Service Improvements
Creating the minimum conditions of physical infrastructure was essential to guarantee the growth of the agro-export economy. The crucial aspect here was transport. From then on, the construction of new railway stations began, and existing ones were refurbished. The construction of roads and railways also played a significant role.
Expansion of Agriculture and Livestock
In agriculture, during the 1880s, the area under cultivation increased by 50%, thanks to railway expansion and the incorporation of agricultural machinery. Argentina became one of the most important world exporters of wheat and flour.
Regarding livestock, the process of improving production was very important. This involved the application of new and advanced technology from Great Britain. Technical improvements, such as the introduction of refrigerators and the use of merchant ships with cold chambers, allowed for the export of frozen and chilled meat.