Asamblea del Año XIII

The Assembly of Year XIII ( _es. Asamblea del Año XIII) was a meeting called by the Second Triumvirate governing the young republic of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata (today's Argentina) on October 1812.

One of the objectives of the assembly was to define an institutional government system for the republic. Without the presence of representatives from some of the provinces, it was inaugurated on January 31, 1813 (whence the name). At the same time, it was to proclaim independence from Spain, and redact the first constitution of the young state.

During the assembly, different interests delayed the declaration of independence, but a number of common points were successfully established:
* The national coat of arms was chosen.
* The national anthem was commended.
* The Freedom of Wombs ("Libertad de vientres") law, which put an end to slavery, was passed (it dictated that children born from slaves since the passing of the law were automatically free citizens).
* All titles of nobility (from the colonial period) were voided and suppressed.
* The creation of the national currency was ordered.
* The Spanish Inquisition and the practice of torture were abolished.
* A statute was approved that replaced the Second Triumvirate with a one-man Directorship.

ee also

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*Argentine War of Independence