The Rise and Fall of Juan Domingo Perón: 1943–1955

1943 – 1955: The Perón Era

Perón’s Rise to Power

In 1943, the military sought to industrialize Argentina, often resorting to censorship and the imprisonment of opposition leaders. This approach threatened the industrialization program until Colonel Juan Domingo Perón took control of the Department of Labor (later the Ministry of Labor and Welfare).

• Social Mobilization: Perón recognized the potential of women and ethnic minorities, becoming a patron of the urban working class.
• Labor Reforms: He supported legislation that enabled women to pursue higher education and established equal pay for men and women.
• Political Turmoil: Perón’s progressive policies faced opposition from the military and the landed oligarchy. In October 1945, he was imprisoned following a coup, but mass protests by his followers secured his release.
• Election Victory: After resigning from the government and retiring from the army, Perón formed the Labor Party and won the 1946 presidential election.
• Cultural Shifts: To counter concerns regarding social changes, the Peronistas promoted the tango and legalized prostitution.

Postwar Economics

• Nationalization: Perón nationalized railroads and public utilities while strengthening the military with increased salaries and modern equipment.
• The Role of Eva Perón: A key ally, Eva "Evita" Duarte de Perón, founded the Peronist Feminist Party and the Eva Perón Foundation in 1947.
• Women's Suffrage: In 1951, women voted for the first time; 95% of registered women participated, with 65% voting for Perón. This election resulted in the appointment of 7 female senators and 24 female deputies.
• A Significant Loss: The death of Evita in 1952 weakened Perón’s connection to the Argentine working class and women.

Perón’s Downfall

Facing an economic crisis in the early 1950s, Perón implemented a new strategy:

• Agricultural Reform: He incentivized production by paying farmers higher prices and investing in capital equipment, while simultaneously enforcing a wage freeze.
• Economic Stabilization: By 1954, he had stabilized the economy by soliciting foreign investment and adjusting the money supply.
• Political Conflict: Perón attempted to bolster his ideological appeal but alienated the Catholic Church.
• Exile: In 1955, a military revolt forced Perón into exile.

Unresolved Economic Challenges

Despite his efforts, Perón failed to address several structural issues:

1. Persistent economic roadblocks.
2. Inadequate transportation infrastructure.
3. Scarcity of electric power.
4. Limited industrial capacity.
5. The continued dominance of the latifundio (large landholdings).