Juan Manuel Rosas
Juan Manuel de Rosas emerged to political life in the 1820's Argentina's tempestuous atmosphere. In a short period of time he would become the most proeminent man in Argentina during the XIX century. When Argentina was launched in the political gap by internal riots he was elected in 1829 to a three year term as  president. He espoused the federalist ideal, meaning he was for a central government sharing power with provincial sectors. He managed to make alliance with the Catholic Church and the countryside sectors. In 1832 he left office after his term ended, joining the wars in the southagainst the natives tribes opening more lands for civilization, making him a hero for the common people. When he returned to the governorship once again in 1835 Argentina was once more at a gap of power. Therefore it was easy for Rosas to handle much powerand established a dictatorship. Rosas' second mandate as president was much different from the previous one. He put into practice antifederalist politics despite his formal allegiance with those sectors years before. Soon, he became the representative of Buenos Aires hegemony. With spies and the secret police, he instituted a regime of terror. Many politicians and intellectuals were obliged to seek refuge abroad. Few dared to oppose him. Among the people who had to live in other countries were Domingos Sarmiento and Bartolome Mitre. Both would become Argentina's president in the future.
Rosas´government is also remembered by his constant state of war not only with the surrounding countries but also with France and Great Britain. He interfered in Uruguay's civil strife by supporting Manuel Oribe of the Blanco Party against the Colorado's under Fructuoso Rivera. He also attracted  Brazil's anger when he gave support to the republican Farrapo Revolution on south Brazil. The fight lasted ten years (1835-1845) and only with its end the Imperial government were in conditions to make plans to bring Rosas out of power. Resentment against the dominance of Buenos Aires grew until a final and successful revolution against him was raised by Justo Jose Urquiza, a larger landowner from the province of Entre Rios. Aided by Brazil and Uruguay's troops, Urquiza crushed Rosas' army at Monte Caseros (1852). Rosas was forced into exile in England.
Rosas' legacy is full of controversies. While for some he was a dictator who supressed any opposition, for others he was the man who started the building of Argentina as a nation.
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