Chapter 4, 17 October 1945 Summary and Analysis

Argentina, under Allied pressure, declared war against the Axis powers in March 1945. While many in the upper class were happy, those who supported neutrality felt betrayed. Peron's power was growing and all the major parties seemed united in opposing him. It was at that time that they started to say that he was a fascist and a Nazi. And indeed some of those who met him found him to be ruthless and foolish. All the while, Evita's stature grew and she even started to take part in some political meetings. The members of the Peronist movement grew over time and the military government began to lose credibility. A massive demonstration by all parties but the military government and Peronists (between 250,000 and 500,000) showed that the military government had little support. As World War II ended, it looked as if the...