BLOG3: POLITICS/ECON

Buenos dias from Buenos Aires :O)

Today is officially “el Día de la Revolución de Mayo” (May Revolution Day) which symbolizes the transition of power from the Spanish monarchy to the inhabitants of Buenos Aires. Contrary to America’s Independence Day, there are no parades, fireworks, or symbolic colors to recognize the significance of this day in history; the city is relatively quiet & many shops are closed. It practically appears as if none of the “portenos” are particularly reminiscing or even remotely celebrating this holiday. Nonetheless, to continue my chronological discussion of Argentine history, I will use this blog entry to very briefly summarize political & economical elements with respect to Juan Domingo Perón (October 8, 1895 - July 1, 1974) & the 2nd of his 3 wives & probably the most popular, Maria Eva (7 May 1919 - 26 July 1952). Perón and Eva were very popular amongst the constituents, and to this day, are still considered icons by the Peronist party. Peronists praise their efforts to eliminate poverty and to improve labor conditions, while opponents regarded them as dictators and damaging to the traditional social class structure. Perón was elected three times as president of Argentina & was overthrown by a military coup in 1955. His first two terms were from 1946 - 1955. After the military coup in 55, he returned to power in ’73 until his death in ’74 whereas his 3rd wife and Vice-president Isabel, took over the presidency.
Let’s briefly touch upon Mr Perón’s contributions to Argentina; during his 1st term, two of his goals were: social justice & economic independence. Perón requested that his economic advisors produce a 5-year plan which would: increase workers’ wage, minimize unemployment, stimulate industrialization, and to improve the public & private sectors of transportation, energy & communication. Some of Perón’s accomplishments include:

a) The gap between social classes was merging (consequence of increased wages for workers’ & increased employment)
b) Nation became more pluralistic & less reliant on foreign trade
c) Nationalized the railroads, schools, Central bank & paid off billion dollar debt to the UK
d) Sought to maintain diplomatic relations with US & Soviet Union (i.e. avoided Cold War involvement)
(to be continued in next blog…)

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