ArgentinaTimeLine

Easily defeats the “old order” in 1946 elections
Populist—multi-class coalition of national entrepreneurs and labor
Postwar prosperity—accumulation of foreign exchange surpluses and pent-up demand for exports
Nationalized railways, urban transport, utilities
Favored consumer goods industries
Sectoral clash—favored industry over agriculture—state trade monopoly—state bought agricultural goods at artificially low prices and sold them at much higher international prices, profit redistributed to industrial sector--Argentina Trade Promotion Institute (IAPI)
Eva Peron—lower class, difficult life, actress, met Peron in 1944, married on Oct. 21 of 1945, often credited with the Oct. 17 of 1945 demonstrations to free Peron

1951 election, Peron re-elected by wide margin
But decline of Peron’s popularity begins: economic decline, loss of postwar advantages, death of Eva, growing polarization

“Return of democracy”—but presidential resignations, economic crises, constitutional changes, successive interim presidents, etc.
1983-89—Alfonsin (Radical)—elected—prosecuted some military leaders—but resigned early due to economic woes, riots, etc.
1989-99—Menem (PJ, or Partido Justicialista—Peronist)—elected—pardoned military leaders—modified constitution to allow for presidential re-election—was re-elected to 2nd term—further efforts to win the presidency were all stymied—subject to charges of corruption after leaving office.
1999-2001—de la Rua (Radical)—elected—forced resignation after 2 years in office—economic woes, unpopular austerity, riots. Faced numerous charges of corruption and police repression after leaving office.
2001-2003—succession of two PJ Presidents—both selected by the Congress

Rodriguez Saa—served 7 days—resigned early after riots, economic chaos, default on the national debt, etc.
Duhalde—served just over a year—resigned in 2003—first postponed elections, than was forced to call elections 6 months earlier than planned.

2003 elections—Nestor Kirchner (PJ, “leftist”) elected over Menem. Inaugurated in May of 2003 to a 4-yr. term. Not well-known initially, but aggressively pursued prosecution of previous military leaders. Some official reports of embezzlement-but never charged. Died in 2010 of a heart attack
2007-present—Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (wife of Nestor Kirchner). First elected female president of Argentina. PJ. Due to economic progress, has rebounded from low popularity after a tax revolt by farmers in 2008. Won a national primary in August, 2011—portending victory in the October presidential election without a run-off.

CONCLUSION