Alejandro Agustín Lanusse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alejandro Lanusse
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President of Argentina | |
De facto
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In office March 22, 1971 – May 24, 1973 |
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Appointed by | Military junta |
Vice President | None |
Preceded by | Roberto Marcelo Levingston (de facto) |
Succeeded by | Héctor José Cámpora |
Personal details | |
Born |
Alejandro Agustín Lanusse
August 28, 1918 Buenos Aires, Argentina |
Died | August 26, 1996 Buenos Aires, Argentina |
(aged 77)
Political party | Independent |
Spouse | Ileana María Bell Bidart |
Children | 10 |
Profession | Military |
Signature | ![]() |
Military service | |
Allegiance | Argentina |
Branch/service | Argentine Army |
Years of service | 1938–1973 |
Rank | Lieutenant General |
Alejandro Agustín Lanusse (born August 28, 1918 – died August 26, 1996) was a very important leader in Argentina. He served as the president of Argentina from March 22, 1971, to May 25, 1973. This was during a time when the country was ruled by a military government, known as the "Argentine Revolution".
When Lanusse became president, Argentina was facing many challenges. There was a lot of unrest and protests. He believed the best way to solve these problems was to allow political parties, especially Peronism, to take part in elections again. His main goal was to help Argentina return to a democratic government.
Early Life and Military Career
Alejandro Agustín Lanusse Gelly was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on August 28, 1918.
He joined the military and graduated from the Army Academy in 1938. He served in different cavalry units. Later, he became the commander of the Regimiento de Granaderos a Caballo, which is a special unit that protects the president.
In 1951, he was sent to prison for trying to overthrow President Juan Perón. He was released in 1955 when another military uprising, called the Revolución Libertadora, removed General Perón from power.
After his release, he became Argentina's Ambassador to the Holy See in 1956. He continued to rise in the military. By 1968, Lanusse became the Commander-in-Chief of the Argentine Army. This made him the top leader of the army.
Presidency (1971-1973)
Alejandro Lanusse became president of Argentina in 1971. During his time as president, he worked to improve Argentina's relationships with other countries. For example, he started diplomatic relations with China.
He also faced many political challenges. There was an increase in activity from groups known as guerrillas. Many people who opposed the government were put in jail.
One important decision he made was to negotiate for the return of the body of Evita (Eva Duarte de Perón). She was the second wife of Juan Domingo Perón, and her body had been hidden for many years.
In August 1971, some imprisoned guerrillas tried to escape from a naval base in Rawson. Sadly, they were killed after their escape attempt in what is known as the Trelew massacre.
Lanusse kept his promise to bring back democracy. In March 1973, presidential elections were held. Hector Cámpora won these elections, and Lanusse handed over power to him. This marked an important step towards democracy for Argentina.
Later Years
After his presidency, Lanusse wrote his autobiography in 1985. In his book, he spoke out against certain actions that took place during a difficult period in Argentina's history. This included the death of his cousin, a diplomat named Elena Holmberg.
In 1994, he was placed under house arrest for a short time. This happened after he criticized the then-president, Carlos Menem, in a magazine interview.
See also
In Spanish: Alejandro Agustín Lanusse para niños