Charles Darwin, who had witnessed theatrocities perpetrated against Argentina's nativeIndians by Juan Manuel de Rosas, had predictedthat "the country will be in the hands of whiteGaucho savages instead of copper-coloured Indians.The former being a little superior in education,as they are inferior in every moral virtue."
Charles Darwin observed the violence and exploitation faced by Indigenous people in Argentina under the leadership of Juan Manuel de Rosas. He expressed a grim outlook for the future of the country, suggesting that it would ultimately be governed by a segment of society he deemed 'white Gaucho savages.' His perspective implied that despite their slightly better education compared to the Indigenous population, these new rulers lacked essential moral values.
This prediction highlights Darwin's awareness of the social injustices of his time. It reflects his concerns about the oppressive dynamics that could arise when a more educated group, yet morally deficient, takes power over a marginalized population. His commentary serves as a critical lens through which the treatment of Indigenous peoples can be understood, linking historical context to the ethical implications of leadership and governance.
