De Rosas dominated Argentinian politics from 1829 to 1852. Characterized by the elite as a barbaric tyrant, there is much evidence to suggest otherwise. He supported the federalist idea of a pastoral economy, thinking that the key to benefiting society would be to appease the interior of Argentina’s cattle-herding people. The standard of living rose and his popularity can be gauged by the people’s willingness to fight for him. When defeated at the Battle of Monte Caseros in 1852 by joint elite/Brazilian/Uruguayan he was exiled to Europe. This promoted the growth of a liberal constitution and capitalism, and Argentina merged with the capitalist world, increasing its dependency on foreign powers.