Carlos María de Alvear

Carlos María de Alvear combined military command, revolutionary politics, and a long diplomatic career. Born in the Misiones region in 1789, he lost his mother and six siblings when British warships attacked the Spanish convoy carrying his family in 1804. He subsequently fought against Napoleon in Spain. Returning to Buenos Aires with José de San Martín in 1812, he helped organize the Lautaro lodge, presided over the Assembly of 1813, and commanded the forces that captured Montevideo. His brief, authoritarian tenure as Supreme Director ended in rebellion and exile in 1815. ¹

Alvear's early foreign missions sought recognition of independence and support against Brazilian control of the Banda Oriental. In Washington in 1824, he discussed the Monroe Doctrine with President James Monroe and John Quincy Adams. He later commanded Argentine forces against Brazil, including at Ituzaingó. Juan Manuel de Rosas sent him back to Washington in 1838; his work there addressed European blockades, regional disputes, and Argentine claims concerning the Falkland/Malvinas Islands. He remained abroad until his death in New York in November 1852. ¹

Writing from Washington about territorial annexations, presidential campaigns, and the war with Mexico, he warned Buenos Aires that republican government did not necessarily restrain expansion. Historian Santiago Chelala argues that Alvear could admire American immigration policies and productive development while doubting that the Monroe Doctrine offered reliable protection to weaker republics. ²

The posting separated him permanently from his wife, Carmen Quintanilla, whom he had married in Spain in 1809. She did not accompany him in 1838, and they never met again. Their son Torcuato became the father of President Marcelo T. de Alvear. ³