Juan Peron
By Dylan Boheler and Ethan Stewart
The Leader
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Juan Domingo Peron (1895-1974)
Born in Buenos Aires to a lower-middle class family
Joined the military at the age of 16
Juan stayed in Italy from 1938-1940 to study the fascist
regime
• He believed that neither liberal democracy or
totalitarianism were viable options
• He married Eva Duerte (Evita) in 1945
• Argentinian workers were Peron’s main power base
The Leader cont…
• His goals were to achieve social justice and
economic independence for Argentina
• Peron was anti-clerical
• He sympathized with the Nazis and provided
safety for many of them after World War Two,
however he was not anti-Semitic
The Historical Context
• Peron avoided allying with either the socialist
of capitalist cause
• The US initially opposed Peron, claiming that
he had fascist ties
• Peron took power just after World War Two
ended, and remained in power for much of
the Cold War
• Peron’s policies mirrored his belief that
another world war was going to break out
The Elimination of Opposition and
Rule of the Regime
• Peron participated in the military coup that overthrew
the conservative president, Ramon Castillo
• The police force was used to oppress Peron’s liberal
opponents
• Peron had complete control of Argentina’s armed
forces
• In opposition areas he restricted civil liberties
• In 1949 Peron changed the Constitution so that he
could be re-elected
• He denounced any opposition as traitors
The Elimination of Opposition and
Rule of the Regime cont…
• Peron bought out most Argentinian newspapers
in order to weaken his opponents
• Wages were increased for laborers
• Extensive railroads were built in the country to
help “nationalize” it
• Thousands of hospitals and schools were built
under his regime
• Evita was used effectively for propaganda; her
popularity along with her radio talk show helped
raise support for Peron’s government
Using the single-party state you researched
as an example, speculate on the reasons for so
many single-party states in the 20th century.
Origins of single-party states
• The middle class felt that their opinions were
not being voiced effectively by the political
leaders of Argentina.
• The working class lacked organization and an
understanding of the political conditions of
the time.
• Economic conditions as a result of the Great
Depression led to political instability.
Establishment of single-party
states
• Peron’s efforts while he was a part of the
labour department of Argentina led to him
being a respected Argentinian figure as he
answered the demands of the common
working class person.
Rule of single-party states
• Justicialismo- Ideology somewhere in between
capitalism and communism.
• Nationalistic Economic Policy- sought to gain
international influence for Argentina.
• Peron gerrymandered districts in Argentina in
order to minimize the power of those who
opposed his regime.
• Persecuted his opposition through the use of
jails and exile.
Rule of single-party states cont.
• Accomplishments of the Regime:
- Universal social security and health care for
workers.
- Free education for those who fit the
requirements.
- Trade unions in all industries.
- Low-income housing projects made vastly
available.
Regional and global impact
• Even after the militaristic deposing of Peron,
he still possessed a great number of
supporters regionally due to he and his wife’s,
Eva Peron, charisma and policies. The working
class and youth both supported Peronist
ideology.
Bibliography
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Minster, Christopher. "Biography of Juan Peron." About.com Latin American History. N.p., n.d. Web.
06 Jan. 2013.
"Juan Peron (president of Argentina)." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.
Web. 06 Jan. 2013.
"The Legacy of Juan Peron." The Legacy of Juan Peron. Colombia.edu, n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2013.
"Modern History Sourcebook: Juan Domingo Perón (1895-1974): Justicialism." Modern History
Sourcebook: Juan Domingo Perón: Justicialism. Modern History SourceBook, n.d. Web. 06 Jan.
2013.
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"Argentina, from Juan and Eva Peron to the Disappeared." Argentina, from Juan and Eva Peron to
the Disappeared. Macrohistory and World Report, n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2013.
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Indij, Guido. "The Twenty Fundamental Truths of Justicialism by Juan Perón 1950." The Twenty
Fundamental Truths of Justicialism by Juan Perón 1950. Creative Commons, n.d. Web. 06 Jan.
2013.
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"Juan Peron." Politics - World People. MVUSD, n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2013.