“The Argentine Republic is a mighty nation, to be sure. Boasting one of the largest food exporting economies in the entire world, its’ neutrality in the Great War has allowed us to become one of the wealthiest countries in the entire world. Tragically, much of rural and lower-class Argentina will never see any benefit from this wealth, as most of it goes to the upper class, the wealthy. I denounce this, and, as your president, will continue to seek reform and reconciliation that allows for every Argentine man to achieve greatness, regardless of his status.”
Excerpt from the speech of President Yrigoyen, Aug. 15. 1916
Things indeed were going well for the nation. But there was still much work to be done. Just over 9 months into his reign of doing nothing much, biding his time, and solidifying his power and popularity, President Yrigoyen is ready to initiate his agenda. Firstly, he picks up his phone, prodding the dial for a few moments. It rings once, before a line on the other end picks up.
“Comenzar la operación Nécora.”
“Sí, señor Presidente.”
3 days later, the presidential cabinet had convened. Sitting in a wide office in the Casa Rojada, they sat with folded arms, listening to one General Enrique Mosconi receive orders from the President. Oil interests in the country need development, and rather than allow it to fall into the hands of the wealthy, it should be assured that the benefit from petroleum goes to the people. A state-run oil company is established, the YPF, with an 8 million peso startup grant, after which it is to be self dependent. General Mosconi is to be the head of this new department. This was a truly revolutionary project: the first state-run company in the entire world, the first realization of a growing socialist nation.
3 days after that, the president makes a major political move by publically meeting with leaders from the 2 major trade unions in Argentina: the Federación Obrera Regional Argentina IX and the FORA V, promising that the government will work more closely with the unions to build socialism and a united front against imperialism, and calling for mutual aid to protect workers rights. Once nicknamed “el poludo” (the hairy armadillo) for his his introverted character and aversion to public appearances, the president is overcoming this to deliver a major speech right after, calling for the remilitarization of Argentina, citing a growing imperialist threat domestically and worldwide, and the need more than ever to protect and arm the global proletariat to bring about democratic change and world peace.
Elsewhere, the growing socialist ideals are leading to some troubles. Beyond just some of the ultra wealthy clutching at their pearls, there is fear that the radical socialism spreading through the country might be becoming too radical. The most notable evidence of this is a new, increasingly popular youth movement. Juventud was Radical formed by anarchist students at the University of Buenos Aires, organizing strikes against perceived bourgeois and elitist policies. The movement is gaining smaller chapters in other cities, becoming a hotspot for anarchist and communist social activism.
Finally, at the behest of some prominent expatriate French Argentines as well as socialist groups, not least among them the Juventud Radical, the President agrees to arm and train volunteer soldiers, as many as will volunteer, to go to Caucasia, Sweden, and France, and aid them in their revolutionary struggle against imperialism. Additionally, Argentina will lend significant aid to other countries. Frozen beef, cereals, wheat, and other food exports are sent to Caucasia, France, and Sweden, and China to aid them in revolutionary struggle. Perhaps even more important, a shipment of 35,000 wool coats (10,000 to Caucasia and Sweden, 15,000 to China) is sent to Caucasia, China, and Sweden to help them against the bitter cold.
Actions:
Juventud Radical formed by anarchist students at the University of Buenos Aires, organizing strikes against perceived bourgeois and elitist policies. The movement gains smaller chapters in other cities, becoming a hotspot for anarchist and communist social activism.
President Yrigoyen publically meets with delegates from the 2 major trade unions to solidify ties between labor and the government
The Argentine Re-Armament begins, the Argentine army seeks new volunteers and begins training and equipping new troops as well as re-equipping old ones and mobilizing for war. Factories begin to pump out new guns and ships, especially the new Destroyer type ship.
The Argentine air force, in a pitiful state of affairs, is getting rehauled by new leadership. New planes are to be constructed, existing ones repaired, new air corps trained, etc.
President Yrigoyen appoints General Enrique Mosconi, a loyal general and close friend, to be the head of the newly created YPF.
Operation Nécora begins.