Eva Peron was a very strong leader. When she was a young woman, she decided to become a famous actress. She did model and play small roles in movies, but realized that just wasn't for her. After marrying Juan Peron, she was the First Lady of Argentina from 1946 to 1952. While playing a part in politics she then managed homes for the poor, and was the founder of the "Eva Peron Foundation". She organized women workers, and obtained the right for women to vote.

            How did the people of Argentina see Eva Peron???

    Eva was loved by many people throughout her life. She encouraged people of Argentina to call her "Evita". She won fans for her as well as her husband during Juan's presidency. When Evita talked, people listened. She was a speaker for the poor and homeless. Although many people disagreed with many of Juan Peron's ideas, they kept him in office in fear of losing Evita. Still after her death, fans stay loyal, and never forget her contributions to history.
 
 

                   What did Eva Peron accomplish???
    Eva Peron was determined to be remembered through history some way or another. She has reached this goals through her accomplishments. Evita was a big help to the poor and a speaker for all women. She obtained the right for women to vote and managed for women to receive work. She promoted welfare programs and introduced compulsory religious education.

        How did Eva Peron's early life affect who she is now???

    Although she became one of the most richest and powerful women, things not always worked that way. She grew up poor with her four siblings and mother. Her father died after a fifteen year affair. Her family lived in very poor and unstable conditions which forced her mother and sisters to work as cooks for wealthy families. Eva attended school receiving average grades and eventually realized that she didn't have much of an academic future. After her husband became President, and she gained power, Eva was determined to change the life of the poor. Being exposed to and witness how most of her Argentina people lived, Evita worked hard to prevent homelessness by setting up communities. She never took anything for granted and understood how it was to have nothing.

    Eva Peron, born Maria Eva Durante, is a remarkable figure in history. Born May 7, 1919, Eva grew in poor conditions in Los Todos. She was the fifth of her mothers children. She lived with her siblings, Blanca, Elisa, Juan and Eminda. Her father had died a year after she was born after having a fifteen year affair. Eva lived in such a poor comunity, her mother and sisters had to work for the wealthy in order to survive. As Eva's school work became less interesting to her, she decided she wanted to become a famous actress. At the age of 15, Eva traveled to Buenos Aires to try and make her dream come true. With connections, she starred in a few movies as small roles, such as "La Senora de Perez", in 1935. These roles contributed to her decision to participate in a popular radio soap opera.

Her major role in history has been the First Lady of Argentina between 1946 to 1952. She married Juan Peron after a year of knowing him. They met at an earthquake relief fundraiser in 1944, and were soon married a year later on October 18, 1944. A while after, Juan became President of Argentina. People criticed Juan and Eva, saying that he was in a way higher position than Eva. After a while, the people of Argentina grew to love Evita.

    Eva Peron was a strong political leader. She worked with the poor and organized work for the less fortunate citizens of Argentina. She built hospitals and schools, as well as worked with the elderly. Citizens called her "Lady of Hope". She had a housing project for the poor called, "Evita Village." Eva was so close to her people, that they encouraged her to run for vice president. It fell through after military powers felt fear with a woman in high positions of politics. Eva wanted the people of Argentina to call her Evita. She managed an organization to distribute wealth to the poor, named after her, "Eva Peron Foundation." Eva also helped with the bill to allow women to be able to vote.

    July 26, 1952 is the day Eva Peron died. She passed away from uterine cancer at the age of thirty three. This affected the country of Argentina drastically. All bussinesses were closed and restaurants asked their customers to leave. People began to wonder in the streets and all mourn together. The first line of her will read, "I want to live forever with Peron and my people..." She wanted to be remembered, and she still is today.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Her legacy still                                                                                         continues,  and fans are still loyal. Although Juan Peron was forced out of the country,
many still love Eva Peron and will always remember her. Evita has been made into a play and a movie within the years. People are reminded of her everyday, and continue on her story.

Links:

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Mr. Jenkins Main Page

Hammond High School

Evita

Eva Peron

Evita Peron: Historical Research Foundation

Bibiliography:

Peron, Eva, Evita by Evita, Proteus Publishing, New York, 1953.

Barnes, John , Evita First Lady, Grove Press, New York, 1978.

Eva Durante de Peron

Eva Peron
 

Quiz:
1.) Name contributions Eva Peron accomplished within her life.
2.) What was the name of her foundation? What cause was the foundation for?
3.) Why was Evita determined to be an actress? What changed her mind?
4.) Why were the Argentina citizens against Evita in the begining, and what changed their minds?
5.) How is Evita remembered today?