Early Irish migrants may have arrived to Argentina with Spanish settlers in the service of Spain. From 1806 to 1807, British forces tried unsuccessfully to seize control of parts of Argentina, mostly around the Río de la Plata area, which became known as the "British invasions of the River Plate". During the invasion, several Irish soldiers deserted the British army and joined the Spanish/Argentine army. The best known Irish was Admiral William Brown who arrived to Argentina in 1810. He is accredited for creating the Argentine Navy and for fighting on behalf of Argentina against Spain, Brazil, England and France. Due to poverty and famine, over 50,000 Irish nationals migrated to Argentina between the years of 1830–1930 in search of land and a better life.