Dictator 1946-55 and from 1973 until his death. His populist appeal to the poor was enhanced by the charisma and political work of his second wife Eva (Evita) Peron. After her death in 1952 his popularity waned and he was deposed in a military coup 1955. He returned from exile to the presidency 1973, but died in office 1974, and was succeeded by his third wife Isabel Peron. A professional army officer, Peron took part in the right-wing military coup that toppled Argentina's government 1943 and his popularity with the descamisados ("shirtless ones") led to his election as president 1946. He instituted social reforms, but encountered economic difficulties.
