Julio Argentino Roca (1843-1914) was an Argentine general and the leader of the oligarchy that held political control of Argentina from 1880 to 1916. He was a typical 19th-century caudillo.

Julio Roca was born of a prominent and wealthy Argentine family in Tucumán on July 17, 1843. He received a degree from the National College in Uruguay. When he was approximately fifteen, he volunteered to fight for the interior provinces in the struggle against the forces of Buenos Aires and was commissioned a sublieutenant; thereafter he remained on the military rolls for a period of 55 years of continuous service.

After graduation Roca took part in further fighting between the city and the provinces, this time on the side of the city. In the subsequent war against Paraguay he fought in several battles, and he achieved the rank of colonel in helping to put down the revolt of López...