El 11 De Vaccari: Sarmiento Y El Escándalo

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Post on Nov 01, 2024

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El 11 de Vaccari: Sarmiento y el Escándalo

The 11th of Vaccari, also known as the Sarmiento Scandal, is a notorious event in Argentine history that shook the nation in 1913. It revolves around a series of corrupt practices and alleged bribery involving the then-President, Dr. Roque Sáenz Peña, and his Interior Minister, Dr. Victorino de la Plaza, with the connivance of the powerful Francisco "Pancho" Vaccari, a prominent businessman and political operator.

The Roots of the Scandal:

The scandal's genesis lies in the 1912 presidential elections, where the ruling Radical Civic Union (UCR) faced a fierce challenge from the National Autonomist Party (PAN). Vaccari, a close confidant of de la Plaza, played a pivotal role in the UCR's electoral campaign.

He allegedly used his vast network and influence to manipulate the electoral process in the UCR's favor, resorting to bribery, intimidation, and vote-buying tactics. The "Vaccari Method", as it became known, involved manipulating voter lists, bribing officials, and coercing voters into casting their ballots for the UCR.

The Revelations and the Fallout:

The scandal erupted when a series of incriminating documents, known as "El 11 de Vaccari," surfaced. These documents, allegedly part of Vaccari's private correspondence, exposed the extent of the corruption within the government and the UCR's electoral strategy.

The revelations caused a national uproar, sparking widespread protests and calls for accountability. Public opinion turned against the UCR, accusing them of blatant electoral fraud and undermining the principles of democracy.

Sarmiento's Involvement:

The scandal also implicated Dr. Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, a prominent educator and former president, who was accused of being involved in the corruption scheme. Sarmiento was a close friend of de la Plaza and had played a role in his political rise.

While the exact nature of Sarmiento's alleged involvement remains contested, the scandal tarnished his reputation and fueled suspicions of corruption within the government.

Aftermath and Legacy:

The "11 de Vaccari" scandal had profound consequences for Argentine politics. It led to the UCR's weakening and the rise of opposition parties. The scandal also highlighted the systemic corruption that plagued the country's political system and contributed to public disillusionment with the government.

Despite the controversy, the UCR remained in power, but its image was irreparably damaged. The "11 de Vaccari" served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of democratic processes to manipulation and the importance of ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.

The Legacy of the Scandal:

The Sarmiento Scandal serves as a reminder of the dangers of political corruption and the potential for scandal to shake the very foundations of democratic institutions. Its legacy underscores the need for robust electoral systems, transparency in government, and the importance of holding those in power accountable for their actions.

Keywords: El 11 de Vaccari, Sarmiento Scandal, Roque Sáenz Peña, Victorino de la Plaza, Francisco Vaccari, Radical Civic Union, National Autonomist Party, electoral fraud, corruption, Argentine history.