But to return to Argentina herself: thanks to San Martín, the Revolution was successful, both at home and abroad. Even as early as 1820, however, the discordant elements that were to delay her progress almost half a century were clearly patent, not only in thought, but also in action. Each province had its _caudillo_, who was fiercely jealous of any limitations upon his power. Thus, Ramírez in Entre Ríos, Güemes in Salta, Facundo Quiroga (known for his cruelty as "El Tigre de los Llanos") in La Rioja, López in Santa Fé, Ibarra in Santiago, were practically overlords of independent provinces, ready to make common cause against Spain, but just as ready to quarrel with each other. The situation was similar to that of the colonies in North America, which, though willing to unite against England, resented any attempt at interference in their internal affairs by a central government. Buenos Aires, the city, as the center of Argentine wealth, culture, and civilization, was the exponent of a unitarian form of government, that is, a strong, centralized government with Buenos Aires at the head. Naturally, the _caudillos_ resented any interference on the part of Buenos Aires. In 1820, the first important battle between these two antagonistic elements took place at Cepeda, on the borders of Santa Fé and Buenos Aires. Here Rondeau, representing Buenos Aires and the unitarian principle, suffered defeat at the hands of Ramírez, known as "El Supremo Entrerriano." Varying fortunes attended the civil strife which went on between these two factions. In 1822, a pact was entered upon by Buenos Aires and the _caudillos_ of Entre Ríos, Santa Fé, and Corrientes, by the terms of which common cause was to be made against an expected Spanish invasion, which never materialized, and the other provinces were to be urged to join the Confederation. Rivadavia now appears on the scene in Buenos Aires as Minister of Education, and later, as President of the Confederation in 1826. He introduced many noteworthy reforms, founded libraries and universities, and attempted to establish the government on a firm unitarian basis with Buenos Aires as the capital. He resigned in 1827, following the treaty which his envoy signed with Brazil in the same year, after the battle of Ituzaingó. Despite the victory of Argentine arms, Uruguay had been ceded to Brazil. [Illustration: LOS TREINTA Y TRES ORIENTALES _Navarro y Lamarca, Historia general de América Fortuny_]