1946 – Juan Perón is elected president. He nationalizes strategic industries, improves wages and working conditions. The external debt is paid and near full employment achieved. His partner, Eva, plays a central role in developing programmes for the poorest and for women’s rights. Female suffrage is achieved in 1947. Eva dies from cancer in 1952. Perón is criticized for imprisoning political opponents, fostering clientalism and allowing inflation to soar.
1955 – A military coup ousts Perón, who finds exile in Franco’s Spain. Peronism is proscribed. A succession of non-military presidents are permitted to rule providing no deals are made with Peronists.
