Argentina's Belle Époque: A Golden Era of Growth and its Subsequent Decline

Several factors contributed to Argentina's Belle Époque. The country experienced remarkable economic and cultural growth, becoming an attractive place to live and visit^[2]. This period saw the development of industry and commerce and the growth of a middle class with improved living conditions^[1]. There was significant expansion in transport and communications, along with scientific and technological progress, including inventions like the telephone and electricity^[1]. Large-scale immigration flourished, although it also led to increased overcrowding in tenement houses^[4]. The great daily newspapers of the early 20th century dedicated as many as four pages to job advertisements, reflecting a growing Argentina eager to showcase itself to the world during the May Revolution centennial celebrations in 1910^[4].

Beyond economic progress, Argentina's Belle Époque was characterized by social and political changes. A new social class, the bourgeoisie, emerged, comprising entrepreneurs, professionals, and merchants who experienced substantial economic growth and became the dominant class^[1]. This era was marked by relative political stability in many European countries, but it also saw tensions and conflicts, particularly concerning imperial and colonial rivalries among European powers^[1]. This was also a time in which women began to demand their rights in the public, labor, and educational spheres^[4].

The nation experienced a cultural renaissance, with flourishing visual arts, literature, music, and theater^[1]. Art Nouveau and Impressionism emerged as movements that sought to break with past artistic conventions^[1]. Argentine tango gained prominence, and French styles influenced fashion and gastronomy^[4]. The rise of the architecture, fashion, and gastronomy was evident^[6]. The capital city of Buenos Aires saw the construction of majestic palaces and mansions and the rise of afrancesado style^[4]. Also, was a time where art played a key role in expressing the exuberance and elegance of society^[1]. Art of the Belle Époque had a fundamental role in expressing the exuberance and elegance of society^[1]. Art Nouveau style, bright colors and themes of modern life, reflected the joy and vitality of the society^[1].

Significant technological advancements reshaped daily life during the Belle Époque. The advent of electricity extended nightlife and expanded entertainment options^[4]. The invention of the automobile led to unprecedented mobility, while the development of the first airplanes laid the foundation for modern aviation^[1]. The invention of the telephone revolutionized long-distance communication, and the expansion of the railway and the construction of the underground contributed to ever more connected world^[4]. These advancements enhanced the quality of life and changed how people lived and communicated^[1].

Despite the prevailing optimism, the benefits of progress were not evenly distributed^[5]. While the upper classes enjoyed luxury and sophistication, the working class faced harsh conditions[14]^[4]. The period saw increasing tensions and conflicts between the working class and the dominant bourgeoisie^[3]. Not all regions of Argentina shared in the economic prosperity, with growth concentrated around the port and a few interior provinces, exacerbating existing territorial disparities^[5]. Modernization and backwardness were compatible during this period^[5]. The surge in the architecture, fashion, and gastronomy, while remarkable, was not fully accessible to the lower class^[7].

The outbreak of World War I in 1914 marked the abrupt end of the Belle Époque^[8]. The conflict had a devastating impact on Europe, ending the era of peace and prosperity^[1]. The horrors of war and the resulting socio-political changes ushered in a new historical period^[1]. Or as Daniel Balmaceda put it “The lights of the Belle Époque went out, and in 1914, a dark night spread over the world, marking the beginning of a new and somber stage in history”^[4].