Perón, Juan Domingo

Perón, Juan Domingo (1895–1974) Argentine statesman, president (1946–55, 1973–74). An army officer, he became the leading figure in the military junta (1943–46). Perón cultivated the trade unions and earned support from the poor by social reforms, greatly assisted by his wife ‘Evita’ Perón. He won the 1946 presidential election, and was re-elected in 1952. Perón's populist programme was basically nationalist and totalitarian. Changing economic circumstances and the death of his wife reduced Perón's popularity, and he was overthrown in 1955. He retired to Spain, but returned to regain the presidency. Marred by violence, his second term was cut short by his death.