## Overview Peronism is a major political movement in Argentina, founded by Juan Domingo Perón in the mid-1940s. Officially embodied by the Justicialist Party (Partido Justicialista, PJ), it is a blend of populism, nationalism, and social justice advocacy that has profoundly shaped Argentina’s political, economic, and social landscape[1][3]. Peronism’s influence extends far beyond electoral politics, touching labor rights, economic policy, and cultural identity. ## History and Origins Peronism emerged from the social upheaval of the 1940s, crystallizing on October 17, 1945, when hundreds of thousands of workers—the so-called *descamisados*—marched to demand Perón’s release from military custody, marking a pivotal moment in Argentine history[2][3]. Perón, then a colonel, had risen to prominence as Minister of Labour, where he implemented policies favoring urban industrial workers, earning mass support[1]. Elected president in 1946, Perón and his wife, Eva (“Evita”), launched sweeping reforms: nationalizing key industries, expanding labor rights, raising wages, and building social infrastructure[1][6]. Eva Perón’s foundation became a symbol of hope for the poor, further cementing the movement’s grassroots appeal[4][6]. ## Key Achievements Peronism’s early achievements include the establishment of a conservative welfare state, significant labor protections, and the promotion of economic independence and political sovereignty—principles known as the “three flags” of Peronism[1][4]. The movement’s adaptability is notable: it has shifted from state-centered developmentalism under Perón, to neoliberalism under Carlos Menem in the 1990s, and back to left-wing populism under Néstor and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner in the 2000s and 2010s[5]. This ideological flexibility