Populism

and its impact on policy in Latin American

Latino Americano: Bali de Gruppo

What is Populism?

• Stems from Peron’s “Third Position”, which was what???– It promised a great deal to the

workers…very tough to actually fulfill• Populism traditionally has come in

periods of turmoil not stability• As opposed to Marxism, Populism

lacks a real clear identifiable doctrine

• Based on the will of the majority against the will of the elite

• It does not target the right or the left

Sergio Mendes: Mas Que Nada

Argentina• 1932-1943 Argentina was ruled by Concordancia

– Critics called the period the Decada Infame or infamous Decade

– The government was corrupt, they used violence and intimidation tactics to win elections

• WWII caused shortages in Argentina and a lack of exports

• Ramon Castillo became President in 1940• Support for the US would weaken Argentina

– Due to frustration over grain and meat competition– Many Argentinean military officers were pro-

German– Many believed that the US and GB helped to keep

Argentina rural– So they stayed neutral in the hopes that A would

gain control of trade w/Europe after the war

Julio Iglesias: Me Olvide de Vivir

Castillo• The lack of support for the war was a major issue• Argentina was the only country in the Americas to

not participate in the war• Castillo’s actions meant no assistance for

Argentina– Brazil received significant economic and military aid

for their support– This led to fear over a powerful Brazil

• Nationalists called for a stronger domestic arms program

• Many feared continued repression by the gov. – Patron Costas was next in line– Many feared he would bring A into the war against

the Axis powers• June 6, 1943—a coup against the regime

Julio Iglesius: Baila Morena Baila

US Involvement• General Pedro Ramirez became President• The US placed trade restrictions on A and gave

money and military equipment to B• Ramirez agreed to break ties with the Axis powers• Nationalists forced Ramirez to resign and placed

General Edelmiro Farrell as President• The military felt they needed a submissive work

force to strengthen the economy• They attacked organized labor, took over the

unions, suppressed newspapers and jailed the opposition– Had an interesting impact– ….Colonel Juan Peron felt that the military should

take an active role in strengthening the economy and society

Julio Iglesius Un Sentimental

Juan Peron

• Born in 1895 to a farmer, attended National Military School in 1911

• Very well respected in the military and became the military attaché to fascist Italy

• Peron became the VP, Minister of War and was in charge of the Labor Department

• He looked to women, ethnic minorities and the working class for support– The populist movement---the

massesIvete Sangalo: Pais Tropical

Populism• Instead of attacking labor, he felt the military should join

forces– 1943– he convinced Gov to change policies towards labor

• He created the Women’s Division of Labor and Assistance

– Wanted to improve their conditions• Gave a pay raise to the Railway Union as they went on

strike• He continued to give raises and settle disputes in favor of

unions• He also created a state system of pensions and health

benefits• Some did not agree…who? And why?

– Led to Peron’s imprisonment in 1945– Masses came out in support…forced Farrell to reinstate him

after only a few days– Farrell scheduled a national election

• The “Blue Book”…what was its impact?• Peron won by 300,000 votes

Ivete Sangalo: Como Se Fosse Flor

Peron in Power• He used the military to stay in power

– He increased spending and ended conscription– Officers were given control of key industries

• He nationalized basic facilities • He established minimum wage and working

condition regulations• The police broke up strikes by unrecognized

unions• He disbanded the labor party and removed

anyone that disagreed with him• And…he had “Evita”

– She connected the descomisados and women– Suffrage, education, improved conditions and

wages…

Ivete Sangalo: Chorando Se Fui

Evita

• Women received the right to vote in 1947

• 1941-1950 women admitted to universities doubled

• 65% of women voted for Peron in 1951

• 7 women senators and 24 deputies were elected

• Partido Peronista emerged• Her death in 1952 greatly weakened

Peron

Madonna: Don’t Cry(Evita)

• Peron took control of the Central Bank

• He supported industrial investment and expansion

• He increased steal production and weapons which kept the military happy

• The economy was strong after the war and was able to pay back its debt in 1947

• But in 1949 the programs started losing steam – Market strength diminished due to beef

and wheat competition with the US and Europe

– Industrial development became an issue

• Instituto Argentino de Promocion del Intercambio…what was its impact?

Peron’s Fall From Power• Recession hit in 1949• Marshall Plan supported Europe through loans….but• Exports decreased and real wages dropped by 20

percent• The government printed more money to deal with

expenditures and bureaucracy… by how much??• Peron became more repressive

– National Liberating Alliance….– He tried to make Eva a saint…the church did not agree

so….• He lost the support of workers and the military..why?• 1953-Standard Oil got rights to drill and distribute• A military coup took place in 1955…he fled to Spain

– He did not solve anything…including coal, electrical power, transportation, he did not meet the needs of the people and the power of the hacienda owners remained…

Shakira: Antologio