The Rise of Capitalism on the Pampas: The Estancias of Buenos Aires, 1785-1870 (Cambridge Latin American Studies)
Cambridge University Press, 10/1/1998
EAN 9780521572484, ISBN10: 0521572487
Hardcover, 382 pages, 23.7 x 16.1 x 2.8 cm
Language: English
In the early decades of the nineteenth century, Buenos Aires underwent rapid economic growth, only dwarfed by the even greater prosperity that occurred there at the end of the century. Previous studies have focused on the economy as a whole, or on a particular segment of the population; and most have disregarded how resources were intentionally organized to enable growth. This book focuses on the estancia - livestock firms, the economic organizations that led the growth process. The internal structure, production conditions, and economic impact of the estancia are the central issues which Amaral considers. Economic growth and increased freedom were not inevitable on the pampas, but rather the consequences of human actions, both deliberate and unintentional, in the search for an elusive profit. Why freedom, not privilege, prevailed is the key question underlying this study.
Preface
1. Introduction
Part I. Estancia
2. The organization of production
3. Capital structure, 1820–50
4. Model and reality
Part II. Conditions of Production
5. Reproduction and density
6. Environment
7. Institutions
Part III. Human Action
8. Labour
9. Management and entrepreneurship
Part IV. Results
10. Profit
11. Prices and marketing
12. Markets
13. Conclusion
Appendices
A. Profit rate
B. Probate inventories
C. Prices, exchange rates, and trade statistics.