Juan Domingo Perón

Perón, Juan Domingo (1895–1974), president of Argentina (1946–55, 1973–74) as head of an army clique, he helped overthrow Ramón Castillo in 1943. He won union loyalty as secretary of labor. Elected president (after police intervention), he began with his second wife Eva (1919–52) a program of industrialization and social reforms. Church and army opposition to corruption and repression forced him into exile. Peronist influence survived, however; he returned in 1973 and was reelected president. He served until his death and was succeeded by his third wife, Isabel.

See also: Argentina.