Your input will affect cover photo selection, along with input from other users. He was instrumental in the May Revolution , the first step of Argentina's independence from Spain, and was appointed president of the Primera Junta. The increased militarization of the city and the relaxation of the system of castas allowed him, as other criollo peoples , to become a prominent figure in local politics. He advised against rushed actions as well, and as his Regiment was crucial in any action against the viceroy, he denied his help until it was a good strategic moment to do so.
The opportunity came in May, , and the May Revolution successfully ousted the viceroy. Saavedra was appointed president of the Primera Junta , which took government after it.
The local politics were soon divided between him and the secretary Mariano Moreno. Saavedra wanted gradual changes, while Moreno promoted more radical ones. Saavedra encouraged the expansion of the Junta with deputies from the other provinces; this left Moreno in a minority, and he resigned. A later rebellion made in behalf of Saavedra forced the remaining supporters of Moreno to resign as well.
He left the presidency after the defeat of the first Upper Peru campaign , and headed to lead the Army of the North. His absence was exploited by political opponents, who established the First Triumvirate and issued an arrest warrant against Saavedra. Saavedra stayed in exile until , when all the charges against him were dropped. They were a wealthy family, with many sons, Cornelio being the last one. The school was only for the elite, and to attend it was required to be allowed by the viceroy, know reading and writing, be at least ten years old, be a legitimate son and have certified limpieza de sangre ; Saavedra met all the requirements.
However, he could not graduate due to overwhelming duties in the management of the family ranch. Unlike other rich youths of the time, he did not attend to university. In , he married Maria Francisca Cabrera y Saavedra, his cousin. Francisca was rich, and it is likely that it was an arranged marriage.
