Two hundred years ago, Argentina fought for its independence from Spain. Since then, the country, which has produced writers like Borges, tango singers like Carlos Gardel, and icons like Evita Perón, has been marked by a tumultuous history: brutal dictatorships followed populist governments, and the economic crisis of 2001 meant the loss of all possessions for large parts of the population. Meanwhile, cultural life flourishes, especially in the capital, Buenos Aires, which boasts numerous bookstores, theaters, and cinemas. This volume addresses the political, social, and cultural developments in Argentina, starting from the colonial period, through independence, to the current challenges the country faces.