Capitulo 15. Revolucion Libertadora y Resistencia Peronista.

Summary

The script recounts the tumultuous period in Argentine history, from the failed military uprising of June 9, 1956, to the eventual rise of Arturo Frondizi in 1958. It details the struggle against the military dictatorship of General Aramburu, the political strife involving Juan Perón's exile, and the persistent resistance of Peronist forces. Amidst repression and social unrest, the narrative highlights key events such as the Revolución Libertadora, the clandestine labor movement, and the crucial 1958 elections, where Frondizi's victory was partly attributed to Perón's tacit support, showcasing the enduring political influence of Perón despite his absence.

Takeaways

• 😀 On June 9, 1956, a military uprising led by General Juan José Valle attempted to take control of military bases in Buenos Aires to overthrow the military dictatorship of General Pedro Eugenio Aramburu and allow Juan Domingo Perón to return to Argentina.
• 😢 The uprising was poorly organized and quickly suppressed, leading to the capture of many conspirators who were subsequently executed within 48 hours.
• 🏛️ In mid-1955, disputes between President Perón and his political opponents intensified, culminating in a major public demonstration against his government on June 11, 1955, during the celebration of Corpus Christi.
• 💥 On June 16, 1955, anti-Perónist factions within the navy and air force staged a violent protest, bombing the Casa Rosada and causing significant civilian casualties, including 40 primary school children.
• 🛑 The military government, led by General Eduardo Lonardi, took control after the uprising, with Lonardi assuming the presidency and attempting to reconcile with some Peronist sectors.
• 🚫 The new government initiated a policy of 'de-Peronization', which included dissolving the Peronist party, banning its members from public office, and prohibiting the display of Peronist symbols and public mention of Perón's name.
• 🔥 In response to the repression, a clandestine Peronist workers' movement began to form, initially involving small acts of sabotage and collective protests within factories.
• 🤝 By the end of 1956, members of the Communist Party joined the resistance efforts, forming the Intersindical Commission to pressure the government for participation in the 1957 CGT congress.
• 🗳️ In 1957, the government attempted to pave the way for a political opening, including a constitutional reform and elections, which led to the formation of the 62 organizations, a network of Peronist unions claiming leadership of the Argentine workers' movement.
• 🏆 Arturo Frondizi, a candidate from the Radical Party, won the 1958 presidential elections with significant Peronist support, despite the proscription of the Peronist party, demonstrating the enduring political influence of Juan Domingo Perón.

Q & A

What event occurred on the night of June 9, 1956?

On the night of June 9, 1956, a military uprising led by General Juan José Valle attempted to take control of Campo de Mayo and the main military garrisons in Buenos Aires. The goal was to overthrow the military dictatorship of General Pedro Eugenio Aramburu and allow Juan Domingo Perón to return to the country.

What was the outcome of the military uprising led by General Valle in June 1956?

The uprising was quickly suppressed with scarce resources and poor organization. Many of the civilians and military conspirators were captured by government troops. General Valle managed to escape and find refuge in a friend's house.

What measures did the military government take after the uprising on June 9, 1956?

The military government declared martial law and ordered the execution of the captured rebels. Within 48 hours, nearly 30 civilians and military personnel were executed.

What happened on June 16, 1955, and how did it affect the political situation in Argentina?

On June 16, 1955, anti-Peronist sectors of the Navy and Air Force expressed their discontent with the government in a violent manner. A squadron of 30 bombers from the Punta Indio naval base headed towards Buenos Aires with the intention of bombing the Casa Rosada. This event marked a significant escalation in the opposition against Perón's government.

What was the result of the bombing of the Plaza de Mayo on June 16, 1955?

The bombing resulted in over 300 deaths and twice as many injuries. It also intensified the tension between Peronists and anti-Peronists, leading to a political crisis.

Who assumed the presidency of Argentina after the uprising in September 1955?

Lieutenant General Eduardo Lonardi assumed the presidency of Argentina after the uprising in September 1955.

What was the 'Revolución Libertadora' and what were its main objectives?

The 'Revolución Libertadora' was a military dictatorship that began in September 1955. Its main objectives were to persecute the Peronist party, dissolve the party, prohibit its members from holding public office, and ban the display of Peronist symbols and public mention of Perón's name.

What role did John William Cooke play in the Peronist resistance?

John William Cooke was a key figure in the Peronist resistance. He was an abogado (lawyer) and ex-diputado (deputy) who represented the more revolutionary side of Peronism. Perón appointed him as his personal delegate and the leader of the organized Peronist forces in the country and abroad.

What was the significance of the elections for a National Constituent Convention in 1957?

The elections for a National Constituent Convention in 1957 were significant as they were a test for non-Peronist political parties. They also led to the annulment of the Peronist constitution of 1949 and the restoration of the pre-1949 constitution, with the addition of Article 14 bis, which included workers' rights.

How did Arturo Frondizi manage to win the presidential elections in 1958?

Arturo Frondizi won the presidential elections in 1958 with the support of a significant portion of the Peronist electorate. He negotiated an electoral pact with Perón, promising to lift the proscription of Peronism, which helped him secure victory with 45% of the votes.