B1 Preliminary - Gapped Text Exercise 8

Argentina Between The Wars

After the First World War, Argentina experienced significant political and social change. The country was wealthy and was one of the world's top food producers, exporting large amounts of beef and wheat. _____1_____ However, Argentina was also undergoing political chaos.

The Conservative Party, which had dominated Argentine politics, started to lose its power. A reformist party, the Radicals, gained popularity among the growing middle class and won the presidential election in 1916. _____2_____ The Radicals introduced policies to help the poor, including social security benefits and labour laws.

Unfortunately, Argentina was hit hard by the Great Depression in the 1930s. The prices of Argentina's main exports fell dramatically, causing serious economic problems. _____3_____ The Radicals were blamed for the crisis, and this led to their fall.

In the 1930s, the Conservatives returned to power. They tried to strengthen the economy, but their efforts were largely unsuccessful. _____4_____ Many Argentinians lost faith in the government.

Despite the difficulties, Argentina remained a significant global player. Its vast resources and potential for growth attracted international attention. _____5_____ Argentina ended the interwar period on the cusp of a new era, filled with promise and challenges.

Sentences

A. This caused a shift in the country's power dynamic.

B. The government was unable to stop the economic decline.

C. This was a source of pride for many Argentinians.

D. Unemployment soared and many businesses went bankrupt.

E. They promised to improve the lives of the working class.

F. Many people quickly grew tired of the political process.

G. Many people were unhappy with their rule.

H. However, social and economic inequalities remained a major problem.