"This book analyses the evolution of politics, ideas and culture in Buenos Aires in the years 1820-1827 - a period in which the United Provinces of the River Plate, what is now Argentina, were largely dominated by the political influence of Bernardino Rivadavia. The main focus of this work is centred on the effects of Rivadavia's enlightened reforms on Buenos Aires society during the years 1821-24, during his period as Minister of Government of the city, and the causes of his eventual political downfall in 1827 shortly after his election as first president of the reunified Argentine Republic."--book jacket.