Argentina's 1946 Election: How Perón Won Democracy

In 1946, Argentina held what many consider its first truly modern democratic election. Juan Perón, a colonel with a base in labor unions and a charismatic wife named Evita, faced off against a coalition of radicals, socialists, and conservatives. The campaign featured the first mass use of radio and propaganda, the infamous 'Libro Azul' accusation of Nazi ties, and Perón's 'Bread and Work' platform. Labour Secretary under the military regime, Perón had built support among the descamisados (shirtless ones) through wage hikes and social reforms. But his opponents feared he was a fascist. The election itself was clean, with women voting for the first time under a new universal suffrage law. Perón won 55% of the vote, launching a decade-long dominance that reshaped Argentina. This episode examines the campaign, the candidates, the issues, and the meaning of that pivotal election.

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