Why There Are So Few Blacks in Argentina

Argentina, a country known for its rich cultural diversity, has a unique demographic makeup. Contrary to the high slave population witnessed in many other regions of South America, Argentina and its neighboring Uruguay received a far smaller number of slaves compared to other parts of America. This article explores the historical and social factors that contribute to the scarcity of blacks in Argentina.

The Historical Context of Slavery in South America

One of the primary reasons Argentina received fewer slaves than other regions, such as the Guyanas, is the geographical and political dynamics of the area.

Spain’s Colonization and Slave Trade

Spain did not have colonies in Africa. Therefore, they had to purchase slaves from English and Portuguese slave traders, which were more costly than seizing them from their places of origin or purchasing from other African slave traders. This high cost was a significant factor in the low number of slaves brought to Argentina.

Argentina’s Economic Focus and Slavery

The nature of Argentina's economy played a crucial role in the scarcity of slaves:

Wheat and Cattle Economy: Argentina's economy was primarily based on wheat and cattle. These industries did not require the intense labor required by plantation-based economies, such as cotton production in Brazil and the Southern United States. Landscape and Work Skills: The vast expanses of land meant that even low-ranking workers had to know how to ride horses and control cattle. Many black slaves were unfamiliar with these skills, leading to their limited presence in labor-intensive roles.

Intermarriage and Social Integration

Intermarriage during colonial times diluted the African features in the population over a period of about 200 years. In South America, there was no segregation or apartheid system, allowing for the integration of different racial groups through intermarriage.

Interracial Marriages and Dilution of Features:

Interracial marriages were common even during colonial times, leading to the dilution of African features in the population. This process of gradual assimilation made it difficult for external observers to identify individuals of African descent based on physical appearance alone.

The Impact of War and Disease

Two significant events in the late 19th century further reduced the black population in Argentina:

Paraguayan War: The war against Paraguay in 1865 saw widespread ethnic pride amongst white Argentines living near Paraguay. As a result, authorities in Buenos Aires drafted almost every young able black into the military to send them to the front lines. The lack of interest from blacks in the war, coupled with the fierce resistance from the Paraguayans, decimated black soldiers. Yellow Fever Epidemic: In 1871, a particularly bad yellow fever epidemic hit Buenos Aires. Since blacks were among the poorest and more exposed to stagnant waters where mosquitoes breed, they suffered disproportionately high casualties. This affected not just young men but also women and children.

Perceived Racism vs. Cultural Dynamics

The scarcity of visible black population in Argentina is often dismissed as a mere result of racism. However, this is a misconception. The visible absence of blacks in Argentina is primarily due to the 'dilution' of African features through intermarriage and the economic and social factors that limited the need for a large slave workforce.

Demographic Mathematics:

Simply put, there are not enough blacks in Argentina to be noticeable. Even if someone claims a certain percentage of African DNA, it doesn't matter if the person just looks white unless ancestry tests can confirm it. The focus should be on the historical and socio-economic factors rather than attributing it purely to racial discrimination.