Argentine Revolution of 1943: The Rise of Peronism and the End of the Infamous Decade
On June 4, 1943, Argentina underwent a seismic political shift known as the Revolution of '43. This military coup d'état ended the presidency of Ramón Castillo and brought a close to the period known as the Infamous Decade—an era defined by electoral fraud and conservative rule. More than just a change in leadership, this revolution served as the incubator for Peronism, the political movement that would dominate Argentine society for decades to come.
The coup was orchestrated by the United Officers' Group (GOU), a secret military lodge comprising nationalists with diverse views, ranging from Catholic nationalists and Radicals to pragmatists and fascists. Their primary objective was to prevent the succession of Governor Robustiano Patrón Costas, a powerful sugar industry magnate, whom the military viewed with suspicion.
Key Facts
- Date: June 4, 1943.
- Primary Catalyst: Opposition to the succession of Robustiano Patrón Costas and the corruption of the Infamous Decade.
- Key Organization: The GOU (United Officers' Group), a secret nationalist military lodge.
- Major Outcome: The establishment of a military dictatorship that paved the way for the rise of Juan Perón.
- Economic Shift: A transition toward import substitution industrialization, where industrial production began to surpass agricultural production.
The Road to Revolution: The Infamous Decade
The Infamous Decade (1930–1943) began with a military coup led by General Jose Felix Uriburu, who overthrew the democratically elected President Hipólito Yrigoyen. This period established a dangerous precedent: the Supreme Court recognized Uriburu as the de facto president, creating a legal doctrine used to legitimize subsequent military takeovers.
Throughout this era, Argentina was governed by the Concordancia, a conservative political alliance. While the government maintained a facade of stability, it was plagued by fraud. Economically, the country began shifting toward import substitution industrialization—a policy of replacing foreign imports with domestic production to reduce external dependency.
The Impact of World War II
The Second World War created deep divisions within the Argentine government and military. While Presidents Roberto María Ortiz and Ramón Castillo maintained neutrality, the military feared that the proposed successor, Patrón Costas, would abandon this stance and declare war on the Axis powers.
Simultaneously, the war triggered an economic boom. Industrial exports rose from 2.9% of the total in 1939 to 19.4% by 1943. This growth led to a massive expansion of the urban working class, particularly in Greater Buenos Aires, as rural migrants flocked to the cities to fill factory jobs.
![The technical schools created by Juan Perón were part of a demand by the unions and a policy of industrialization. From 1941 to 1946 the industrial working class had increased 38%, from 677,517 to 938,387 workers.[11]](/images/01/f1/01f1d060d2d9b14b446d3bf95add10f0bd2d8dc784ddb92c0c2f69e707fbe0de.jpg)
The Coup of June 4, 1943
At dawn on June 4, a force of 8,000 soldiers marched from Campo de Mayo. The only significant resistance came from the Argentine Navy at the Navy Petty-Officers School of Mechanics, resulting in 30 deaths and 100 injuries. Following the army's victory, President Castillo fled to Uruguay aboard the minesweeper ARA Drummond.
The conspirators, often referred to as the "Jousten Generals" after the hotel where they gathered, quickly seized power.
The Transition of Power
The military government saw a rapid succession of leaders. General Arturo Rawson initially declared himself president, but he was soon replaced by General Pedro Pablo Ramírez.
Under Ramírez, the government attempted to fight corruption, notably investigating the CHADE scandal involving the Hispano-American Electrical Company. However, tensions with the United States grew as Argentina struggled to maintain its neutrality during the war. After a diplomatic crisis involving the recognition of a Bolivian coup and the arrest of a German agent, Argentina finally broke diplomatic relations with Germany and Japan in January 1944.
The Emergence of Juan Perón
Within this military framework, Colonel Juan Perón began to build a power base. By establishing an alliance with various labor unions, Perón created a "labor-nationalist" current that gave the military government a popular foundation.
When General Edelmiro Farrell took the presidency, he formed a close alliance with Perón, allowing him to implement sweeping labor reforms. This included the introduction of collective bargaining, resulting in hundreds of agreements that benefited millions of workers.
Industrialization and Infrastructure
The Farrell-Perón administration prioritized industrial growth. They created a Secretary of Industry, implemented a strategic tariff system, and established the Industrial Credit Bank. A landmark achievement of this period was the completion of the country's first blast furnace at Altos Hornos Zapla.
Conflict and the Rise to Power (1945–1946)
By 1945, the United States, represented by Ambassador Spruille Braden, actively worked to undermine Perón, viewing his union ties and nationalist policies as a threat. This sparked a fierce rivalry between "Peronism" and "Anti-Peronism."
The tension peaked on October 17, 1945, known as Loyalty Day. A massive demonstration of workers descended upon Buenos Aires, demanding the release of Juan Perón, who had been detained by rival military factions. The sheer scale of the protest forced the government to liberate him.
The 1946 Election
In the subsequent election, Perón ran against the Radical Civic Union (UCR) candidate José Tamborini. Despite predictions of a loss, Perón won a decisive victory with 55% of the vote, winning in every province except Corrientes.
| Candidate | Party/Affiliation | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juan Perón | Labor Party / Union Support | 1,527,231 | 55% |
| José Tamborini | Radical Civic Union (UCR) | 1,207,155 | 45% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary goal of the GOU in the 1943 coup?
The United Officers' Group (GOU) sought to end the corruption of the Infamous Decade and prevent Robustiano Patrón Costas, a wealthy landowner and sugar industry stockholder, from becoming president.
How did World War II influence the coup?
The war created a divide between those who wanted to maintain neutrality (mostly the Army) and those who favored joining the Allies. Additionally, the war boosted domestic industrialization, creating a new, politically active urban working class.
What is "import substitution industrialization"?
It is an economic policy that advocates replacing foreign imports with domestic production to make a country more self-sufficient and less dependent on global market fluctuations.
Why is October 17, 1945, significant in Argentine history?
Known as Loyalty Day, it was the day a massive mobilization of workers forced the military government to release Juan Perón, demonstrating his immense popular support and cementing the birth of Peronism as a mass movement.
Who was Spruille Braden and what was his role?
Spruille Braden was the U.S. Ambassador to Argentina who became a leading figure in the anti-Peronist movement, opposing Perón's labor policies and nationalist industrialization efforts.