Religion, "public spirit" and patriotism during the independence of Rio de la Plata

Abstract

This articles deals with the development of a revolutionary patriotism during the independence of the River Plate region and analyzes its religious basis. The hypothesis proposed here is that speeches and rituals of the Catholic religion allow the formation of a "public spirit" stimulated by the revolutionary power and by the spontaneous patriotism of the cities. The article highlights the role played by clergy in this process and the importance of civic ceremonies as an expression of such patriotism over the years 1812-1814, as the war effort intensifies in the River Plate, and when the central power control is reinforced along the provinces of the region.

Keywords: River Plate; Catholic religion; patriotism; revolution; speeches; ceremonies; clergy