As occurred in many Latin American countries, the end of World War II opened the door for some democratizing impulses including-in Argentina-the military government’s decision to hold elections in 1946. Peron was elected president by a handsome margin in largely free and fair competitive elections. His arrival to a high-level position in national politics dated back to 1943, when he was one of the leaders of the coup that ended the 1932-43 regime. He served as secretary of labor and vice-president and secretary of war. His administration forged a lasting alliance with the labor movement, established numerous welfare programs, and expanded social rights. At the same time, it progressively dismantled independent institutions and civil liberties in order to create a populist authoritarian regime.