Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1926
Novelist and poet Ricardo Güiraldes publishes Don Segundo Sombra, a classic work of gaucho
literature evoking the spirit of the gaucho and its impact on Argentine society.
1946
Juan Perón is elected president and makes changes to the Argentine political structure. Evita
embarks on her social-assistance programs to help lower-class women and children.
1952
Eva Perón dies of cancer on July 26 at age 33, one year into her husband's second term as pres-
ident. Her death would severely weaken the political might of her husband.
1955
After the economy slides into recession President Perón loses further political clout and is fi-
nally thrown from the presidency and exiled to Spain after another military coup.
1976-83
Under the leadership of General Jorge Videla, a military junta takes control of Argentina,
launching the country into the Dirty War. In eight years an estimated 30,000 people 'disappear.'
1982
With the economy on the brink of collapse once again, General Leopoldo Galtieri invades the
Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas, unleashing a wave of nationalism and distracting the country
from its problems.
1983
After the failure of the Falklands War (Guerra de las Malvinas) and with an economy on the
skids, Raúl Alfonsín is elected the first civilian leader of the country since 1976.
1989
Peronist Carlos Menem succeeds Alfonsín as president and overcomes the hyperinflation that
reached nearly 200% per month by instituting free-market reforms.
1999-2000
Fernando de la Rua succeeds Menem as president, inheriting a failing economy. Agricultural ex-
ports slump and strikes begin throughout the country. The IMF grants Argentina US$40 million
in aid.
