From 1820 to 1827, the United Provinces of the River Plate - what is now Argentina - were largely dominated by the political influence of Bernardino Rivadavia. This book analyzes the evolution of politics, ideas, and culture in Buenos Aires during those years. The main focus of this work is the effects of Rivadavia's enlightened reforms on Buenos Aires society during the years 1821-24, his period as minister of government of the city. The book also reveals the causes of his eventual political downfall in 1827, after he became the first elected president of the reunified Argentine Republic.