32 SELLING LATIN AMERICA 
poleon, which gave the many Spanish colonies 
that had become thoroughly satiated with dis 
gust and contempt for the Madrid Govern 
ment, a chance to rebel and establish them 
selves as independent nations. Taking advan 
tage of the condition in Europe and having in 
mind the successful revolution of the Ameri 
can colonists, the people of Argentine, Bolivia, 
Paraguay and Chile revolted, and after much 
fighting finally drove the Spanish troops from 
their shores. May 23, 1810, the people of 
Buenos Aires declared their independence. 
A Congress was held in Tucuman on July 9, 
1816, the result of which was the more com 
plete unification of the Argentine people under 
the title of the United Provinces of the La 
Plata River. The government in i860 
adopted as its national title “The Argentine 
Nation” by which it now prefers to be called. 
Few know that the British had covetous 
plans upon this really wonderful country and 
twice invaded it, once in 1806, and again in 
1807. After their fleet had bombarded the 
capital, the troops landed, and were both times