Argentina is the second largest country in South America after Brazil in terms of area. In 1500 AD, first Spanish explorers came to Argentina in search of gold. There were relatively few Indians in Argentina as compared to other parts of South America, and they were also killed from the diseases brought over by the Europeans. In 1776, Spain created a large colony in the south-eastern part of South America which was called the Viceroyalty of the Rio de La plata and made Buenos Aires the capital. It started the export of meat grain to Europe which improved its economy. Britain unsuccessfully tried to seize Argentina in 1806. But France's invasion of Spain in 1807-1808 gave Argentina the chance to rise up for its independence. Finally in 1816, Argentina gained independence from Spain. Argentina's economy flourished once again during World War I, as the European nations purchased farm products. In 1920s, Argentina had become one of the wealthiest countries in the world, before the Great Depression hit it in 1929. During the second World War, it was ruled by military dictatorship, and thus sympathised the Axis forces in the war. After the war, Argentina became the safe haven for the fleeing Nazis. It had a war in 1982 with Great Britain over the Falkland Islands, which it lost.