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A Railroad Debacle And Failed Economic Policies: Peron's Argentina, Gareth Pahowka

The Gettysburg Historical Journal

After General Juan Domingo Perón was elected President of Argentina in 1946, he quickly moved to adopt a "New Deal" Plan for Argentina based upon economic nationalism and improved working conditions. The nationalization of the British-owned railroads was perhaps the centerpiece of his reformist policies. But fervent national pride and pageantry surrounding the purchase were quickly eroded by a painful realization: the Argentine railway system was a crumbling, antiquated colossus that drained vital resources and helped propel the nation and its people to financial ruin.