The ideologic origins of the irrigation system in the valle of Neuquen and Negro Rivers, Patagonia, Argentina

Abstract

An analysis of the political and scientific speeches of the XIX century together with Father Stafanelli’s testimony is proposed to comprehend the process of the ideological construction of the irrigation system in North Patagonia, in the context of the creation of the National State and the incorporation of these territories. To do this, the main ideological elements which were crucial to the construction of the image of the Patagonia will be taken into account. Such elements determined the projects of colonization, the investment or not in these lands to finish the irrigation project, the projects of European immigration and the educational projects.