The Technological dependency of agro-exporting Argentina: the case of agricultural machinery

Abstract

This paper analyzes the consequences of technological dependency in pampa`s agriculture during the agro-export phase (1880-1930) and the limits the national production of agricultural machinery had to face. the newly incorporated working tools constituted the main innovation of the period and, although the expansion of the agricultural frontier stimulated the development of a series of workshops, blacksmiths and then factories, the local establishments had severe difficulties to project themselves as the main suppliers of the internal market and even more so for exportation. therefore, the pace, manners and levels of such mechanization depended on the possibilities to import the tools. this research contributes to the comprehension of the particular course of two fundamental branches of the economy, while it provides elements which help recall the paths taken during the evolution and consolidation of capitalism throughout a founding moment in Argentina.