Juan Perón
Juan Domingo Perón
Personal Information
- Name: Juan Domingo Perón
- Birthdate: October 8, 1895
- Birthplace: Lobos, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
- Deathdate: July 1, 1974
- Occupation: Military leader, politician, and President of Argentina
- Political Party: Justicialist Party
Early Life and Military Career
Juan Perón was born in Lobos, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, on October 8, 1895. He was the son of Mario Tomás Perón, a rancher, and Juana Sosa Toledo. Perón had a military career, graduating from the National Military College in 1914. He served in the Argentine army during World War I, rising to the rank of colonel by 1941.
Political Career
Perón entered politics in 1943 when he was appointed Minister of Labor and Social Welfare in the military government of Edelmiro Farrell. In this role, Perón implemented a number of social reforms, including increased wages, improved working conditions, and expanded social security benefits. These reforms made Perón popular with the working class, and he soon became a leading figure in Argentine politics.
In 1946, Perón was elected President of Argentina. He continued his policies of social reform, and also oversaw a period of economic growth and industrialization. Perón's government was also authoritarian, and he suppressed political opposition.
Exile and Return to Power
Perón was overthrown in a military coup in 1955 and went into exile in Spain. He returned to Argentina in 1973 and was elected President again in 1973. Perón's second term was marked by economic instability and political violence. He died in office in 1974.
Legacy
Perón was a controversial figure, but he remains a popular figure in Argentina. His social reforms had a lasting impact on the country, and he is credited with helping to create a more just and equitable society. However, his authoritarian rule and his suppression of political opposition also tarnished his legacy.
Personal Life
Perón was married three times. His first wife, Aurelia Tizón, died in 1938. He then married María Eva Duarte, known as Evita, in 1945. Evita died of cancer in 1952. Perón's third wife was Isabel Martínez de Perón, who served as President of Argentina from 1974 to 1976.
Facts
- Perón was the first President of Argentina to be elected by direct popular vote.
- He was the only President of Argentina to be elected to three terms in office.
- Perón's government was responsible for the construction of several major public works projects, including the Eva Perón City Hospital and the Ezeiza International Airport.
- He was also a strong supporter of the arts and culture, and he founded the National Institute of Cinematography and the National Symphony Orchestra.
