Domingo Mercante: Architect of Peronist Governance
An academic exploration of a pivotal figure in Argentine political history, detailing his military career, foundational role in Peronism, and impactful governorship of Buenos Aires Province.
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Overview
Key Figure in Argentine History
Domingo Alfredo Mercante (June 11, 1898 – February 21, 1976) was a distinguished Argentine military officer and served as the Governor of the Province of Buenos Aires. He is recognized as a foundational figure in the Peronist movement, notably orchestrating labor mobilizations that culminated in the release of Juan Domingo Perón on October 17, 1945.
Bridging Military and Labor
Mercante's unique position stemmed from his military background and his father's influential role in the railway workers' union. This allowed him to act as a critical liaison between the burgeoning labor movement and the military government, playing a pivotal role in the political ascendancy of Juan Domingo Perón.
Governorship and Social Agenda
As Governor of Buenos Aires Province from 1946 to 1952, Mercante implemented a vigorous social agenda. His administration focused on enhancing labor rights and significantly investing in public works, including land reform, school construction, and housing developments, leaving a tangible legacy on the province.
Military Career and Coup Involvement
Formal Military Training
Mercante pursued a dedicated career in the Argentine Army. He completed his secondary education at the National Military College in 1919 and subsequently received advanced training at the Superior War College, establishing himself as a career military officer.
Strategic Postings
From 1924 to 1940, Mercante was stationed at Campo de Mayo, a significant Argentine Army base. Later, as a lieutenant colonel in the Mountain Division, he became involved in the political landscape of the time.
Role in the 1943 Coup
Mercante participated in the 1943 coup d'état that overthrew the conservative administration of President Ramón Castillo. This event provided him with a crucial opportunity to engage with and influence the political direction of the nation, particularly concerning labor relations.
Foundational Role in Peronism
Connecting Labor and Politics
Leveraging his father's connections within the railway workers' union, Mercante became a key intermediary for labor leaders like Ángel Borlenghi and Juan Atilio Bramuglia. They sought allies within the new regime, finding a receptive contact in Mercante, who facilitated their relationship with the influential Labor Minister, Colonel Juan Perón.
Orchestrating Perón's Release
Following Perón's imprisonment by junta leaders apprehensive of his growing influence, Mercante played a pivotal role in negotiating his release. He was instrumental in organizing and leading successful labor mobilizations, working closely with Eva Duarte, whom he introduced to Perón in 1944. This event was critical to Perón's eventual political dominance.
Political Ascent
Promoted to full colonel in December 1945, Mercante assumed a significant position within the Labor Ministry. He was initially slated to be Perón's running mate for the upcoming presidential election. However, he requested to withdraw from the ticket, choosing instead to pursue the governorship of the strategically vital Province of Buenos Aires.
Governorship of Buenos Aires Province
Electoral Victory
Running on the Labor Party ticket alongside Juan Perón, Mercante secured a decisive victory in the 1946 gubernatorial elections, defeating the Radical Civic Union (UCR) nominee Alejandro Leloir by a margin of nearly 20%. His performance exceeded that of other Labor Party candidates, including Perón himself.
Progressive Policies
Governor Mercante's administration was characterized by a vigorous social agenda and substantial public works investments, aligning with the core tenets of Peronism. His tenure saw accelerated land reform initiatives, with the distribution of 1,300 square kilometers of unused land. Furthermore, his government completed the construction of 1,600 schools and 146 housing developments, which became known as the "Mercante chalets" due to their distinctive chalet-style architecture.
Re-election and Growing Influence
Mercante was re-elected governor in 1950 with an even larger mandate, securing over 25% more votes than his UCR opponent, Ricardo Balbín. His accomplishments and close relationship with Perón positioned him as a potential successor, a development that would later create political complexities.
Political Maneuvering and Loyalty
Constitutional Assembly Leadership
Mercante's political stature was further solidified when he was appointed President of the Constitutional Assembly in 1948. This body was tasked with the significant responsibility of revising the 1853 Argentine Constitution, underscoring Mercante's trust and influence within the Peronist regime.
Political Liability
His growing prominence and electoral success, however, began to be perceived as a potential challenge to President Perón. This perceived threat led to political maneuvering that impacted Mercante's career.
Shifting Political Landscape
In a move that signaled a shift in their relationship, Perón persuaded Mercante to step down from the gubernatorial race in 1952. Subsequently, Mercante faced expulsion from the Peronist Party in 1953. Despite these political challenges, Mercante publicly reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to Perón, stating that his government was dependent on the President and that disloyalty would betray their shared movement and beliefs.
Later Life and Legacy
Loyalty During Crisis
During the 1955 coup attempt against Perón, Mercante actively participated in efforts to resist the overthrow. However, the coup ultimately succeeded.
Post-Coup Trial and Retirement
Following the successful coup, the new regime initiated legal proceedings against Mercante. Although he was tried, he was subsequently freed. In the years that followed, Mercante maintained a low public profile.
Passing
Domingo Mercante passed away on February 21, 1976, at the age of 77, leaving behind a significant, albeit complex, legacy in Argentine political and military history.
Bibliography
Scholarly Works
The following scholarly works provide in-depth analysis of Domingo Mercante's life and political career:
- Becker, Carolyn A. (2005). Domingo A. Mercante: A Democrat in the Shadow of Perón And Evita. Replica Books. ISBN 1-4134-9532-X.
- Panella, Claudio (comp.) (2005). El gobierno de Domingo Mercante en Buenos Aires (1946-1952). Un caso de peronismo provincial. Archivo Histórico de la Provincia de Buenos Aires Dr. Ricardo Levene: La Plata.
References
Source Citations
- Page, Joseph. Perón: A Biography. New York: Random House, 1983.
- Noro, Lauro. Soldado Digital: Mercante, líder con luz propia (in Spanish)
- Potash, Robert. The Army and Politics in Argentina. Stanford University Press, 1996.
- Blanco, Mónica. Peronismo, Mercantismo y política agraria en la Provincia de Buenos Aires (1946-55) (in Spanish)
- Domingo Mercante (in Spanish) Archived June 18, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
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References
References
- Noro, Lauro. Soldado Digital: Mercante, lÃder con luz propia (in Spanish)
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