for translator kathleen ross, "facundo" is "one of the foundational works of spanish american literary history". it has been enormously influential in setting out a "blueprint for modernization", with its practical message enhanced by a "tremendous beauty and passion". however, according to literary critic gonzález echevarría it is not only a powerful founding text but "the first latin american classic, and the most important book written about latin america by a latin american in any discipline or genre". the book's political influence can be seen in sarmiento's eventual rise to power. he became president of argentina in 1868 and was finally able to apply his theories to ensure that his nation achieved civilization. although sarmiento wrote several books, he viewed "facundo" as authorizing his political views.