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While world attention focused mainly on the British military buildup, the Argentines were also mobilizing for war. In planning their strike at the Falklands, President Galtieri and his junta may have underestimated the fury of the British reaction, but they had undoubtedly rallied their own population behind them. And perhaps just in time: it is generally believed that the Falklands invasion was primarily a political move to reduce Argentine civilian unrest, which has reached serious proportions. After six years of military dictatorship characterized at times by brutal repression, the country's potentially powerful labor unions had been rising in protest against chaotic economic conditions of triple-digit inflation and double-digit unemployment. Only two days before the invasion, Argentine security forces shot and wounded six demonstrators (one later died) and arrested 2,000 others during the largest public protest since the military crackdown began in 1976. In the euphoria following the Falklands takeover, the government was able to release all 2,000 demonstrators and even invited one important union figure, who had been a leader of the demonstrations, to the Falklands to witness the swearing-in of the military governor of the newly proclaimed 23rd province of Argentina.
In the shaded parks and plazas of the capital, reports TIME Correspondent William McWhirter, Argentines were treating the growing crisis like a holiday. "Vendors sell blue-and-white bunting, the banners and streamers of war that are more popular in the parks than balloons. Argentines are basking in their victory; the vast majority do not seem to know or care where events are leading them." As one Argentine journalist explained it: "All of us agree that the government manipulated the crisis and that Argentina is now internationally isolated, but this is not just a military question. The islands involve everyone."
In just that spirit, "thousands" of Argentines, claimed the government, volunteered to fight for their newly acquired territory. Lines at some military recruiting stations stretched for city blocks. Young Argentines reminded visitors that in the early 19th century their countrymen had repelled a British force that tried to invade Buenos Aires. Says one newly radicalized young patriot: "If Argentina defended its territory against Britain's superior power then, we can do it again."
The fact is that British power may no longer be all that superior compared with Argentina's. Although the Argentine navy is small (17 ships), the country has a 130,000-man regular army and a 19,500-man air force to back up the 9,000 soldiers equipped with armored vehicles and artillery who will be in place on the Falklands when the British fleet arrives about April 20. In addition, the army can call upon as many as 450,000 reservists. The training and skill of the military have improved considerably since the armed forces took power in 1976. Foreign military observers give the Argentines good marks in land, sea and air power, and in discipline and tactics. Says one