Argentine Military Revolt 1951

Argentina became a virtual dictatorship under President Juan Domingo Peron (1895-1974), who was assisted in the government by his wife Eva, or Evita (1919-1952). In 1951, the country's economy was in bad shape, with decreasing export trade, climbing inflation, and striking railway workers, firemen, and engineers. Declaring martial law, Peron broke the strikers with force and claimed they were instigated by "foreign agitators." He suspended publication of La Prensa, Argentina's largest independent newspaper, which had criticized the government; riots erupted over the paper's suspension. The government confiscated the paper after its publisher fled the country. Peron attempted to have his wife nominated for vice president, but the prospect of a women succeeding to the presidency and as commander of armed forces outraged some army generals, who led an unsuccessful revolt in September 1951. Peron blamed the military revolt, which was suppressed by loyal troops, on the activities of former US Ambassador Spruille Braden. Eva withdrew her bid for the vice presidency; and in the national election on November 11, 1951, Peron was reelected president by a two to one popular majority.

References

Dictionary of Wars, 31; Military History, 1463.

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