History of Argentina (1946-1955)

The **history of Argentina** **from 1946 to 1955** is mainly about the time when Juan Domingo Perón was the president. This period is often called the "**Peronist era**." Perón was a very important leader in Argentina, and his ideas and policies had a big impact on the country.

## Rise of Perón

Juan Perón first became famous as a military officer. He later joined the government and became the Minister of Labor. In this role, he worked to improve conditions for workers, which made him very popular with the working class. In 1946, Perón was elected president of Argentina.

## Perón's policies

As president, Perón introduced many changes. He focused on helping workers and the poor. His government increased wages, improved working conditions, and provided social benefits like healthcare and pensions. Perón also nationalized some industries, meaning the government took control of them. This included railways and utilities like electricity and gas.

Perón's wife, Eva Perón (often called Evita), was also very influential. She worked to help the poor and fought for women's rights. In 1947, women in Argentina gained the right to vote, partly because of her efforts.

## Economic changes

Perón's government tried to make Argentina more independent by focusing on industrialization. This meant building more factories and producing goods within the country instead of relying on imports. However, this policy had mixed results. While some industries grew, the economy faced problems like inflation and shortages of goods.

## Political changes

Perón was very popular with many Argentinians, especially workers and the poor. However, not everyone supported him. Some people, like the wealthy elites and the military, were unhappy with his policies. Perón also had conflicts with the Catholic Church, which led to a loss of support from some religious groups.

## Downfall of Perón

By the early 1950s, Argentina faced economic difficulties, and Perón's popularity began to decline. In 1955, the military staged a coup (a sudden takeover of the government) and forced Perón to leave the country. He went into exile, living in other countries for many years.

## Legacy

Even after Perón was removed from power, his influence remained strong in Argentina. The Peronist movement continued to be a major force in Argentine politics. Perón eventually returned to Argentina and became president again in the 1970s, but his first presidency (1946-1955) is remembered as a time of significant change and social reform.

In summary, the period from 1946 to 1955 in Argentina was dominated by Juan Perón and his efforts to improve the lives of workers and the poor. His policies had a lasting impact on the country, even though his time in power ended with his overthrow by the military.

## Infobox (former country)

- **conventional long name**: Argentine Republic
- **native name**: República Argentina (Spanish language, Spanish)
- **image flag**: Flag of Argentina (1818–1819, 1820–1829, 1861–2010).svg
- **image coat**: Coat of arms of Argentina.svg
- **national anthem**:
("Argentine National Anthem")
<div style="display:inline-block;margin-top:0.4em;"></div>
- **capital**: Buenos Aires
- **government type**: Federal presidential republic
- **population estimate**: 18,720,000 (1955)
- **population census**: 16,055,765 (1947)
- **gdp ppp**: $158.01 billion (1955); (expressed in international-$ at 2011 prices)
- **currency**: Argentine peso moneda nacional, Argentine peso (moneda nacional)
- **year end**: 1955
- **year start**: 1946
- **common languages**: Spanish language, Spanish, Italian Argentines, Italian dialects (minority)
- **title leader**: President
- **year leader1**: 1946-1955
- **leader1**: Juan Domingo Perón (reelected in 1951)
- **event1**: 1949 Constitutional Reform
- **date event1**: March 1949
- **event2**: 1951 Argentine general election, Peron is reelected
- **date event2**: November 11, 1951
- **event3**: Bombing of Plaza de Mayo
- **date event3**: June 16, 1955