today’s birthday: Juan Perón (1895)

Juan Perón (1895)

Perón was President of Argentina from 1946 to 1955 and from 1973 to 1974. His populist appeal to the poor was enhanced by the charisma and work of his second wife, Evita. After her death in 1952, his popularity waned, and amidst increasing economic difficulties and labor unrest, he was deposed in a military coup in 1955. Perón fled to Paraguay and Spain but returned from exile to the presidency in 1973, only to die in office the following year. What was stolen from his tomb in 1987? More…

today’s birthday: Eva Perón (1919)

Eva Perón (1919)

Eva Perón was an actress who became a political and cultural icon as the wife of Argentine president Juan Perón. When Juan entered office in 1946, Eva became a powerful though unofficial political leader alongside her husband. Commonly known by the affectionate diminutive “Evita,” she presided over the creation of a charitable foundation that gave the poor access to healthcare and built schools and whole communities for them. Why was Evita’s corpse hidden for 16 years after her death? More… Discuss

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