The Argentine terrorist organization Montoneros is expelled from Plaza de Mayo by president Juan Perón.

The Montoneros, officially known in Spanish as the Movimiento Peronista Montonero (MPM), were a highly influential and controversial Argentine left-wing Peronist guerrilla organization. Active primarily during the tumultuous decades of the 1960s and 1970s, their emergence was deeply rooted in Argentina's complex political landscape, characterized by frequent military interventions, strong popular movements, and the enduring, almost mythical, figure of Juan Domingo Perón. As a "Peronist guerrilla" group, they uniquely blended a revolutionary socialist ideology with fervent loyalty to Perón, believing that armed struggle was a legitimate and necessary path to achieve a "socialist homeland" within the broader framework of Peronist principles.

The Echoes of History: The "Montoneras" Connection

The name "Montoneros" itself was not arbitrary; it was a deliberate and powerful historical allusion, carefully chosen to evoke a deep sense of national identity and historical continuity. It harked back to the 19th-century "Montoneras," loosely organized yet effective cavalry militias that played a crucial role during Argentina's protracted Civil Wars. These original Montoneras, often led by powerful provincial caudillos, primarily fought for the Federalist Party against the centralist Unitarians. By adopting this evocative name, the 20th-century Montoneros sought to connect their contemporary struggle for social justice and national liberation with a perceived tradition of popular, provincial, and anti-establishment resistance, imbuing their cause with a powerful historical resonance.

The Fractured Homecoming: Perón's Return and the Rise of Internal Conflict

The early 1970s marked a dramatic and volatile period in Argentine politics, largely dominated by the impending return of Juan Domingo Perón after 18 long years of forced exile. For many, including the Montoneros, Perón's return symbolized the hope for a new, liberated Argentina. However, the Peronist movement was a broad and often contradictory coalition, encompassing a wide spectrum of ideologies from the revolutionary left to the conservative right. This inherent tension exploded dramatically on June 20, 1973, during the eagerly anticipated homecoming of Perón at Ezeiza International Airport. What was meant to be a joyous reunion devolved into a tragic bloodbath, known as the Ezeiza Massacre, when right-wing Peronist factions opened fire on left-wing Peronist supporters, including Montoneros, as they attempted to greet their leader. This brutal event irrevocably shattered the facade of unity within Peronism, marking a definitive and bloody split between its left and right wings.

A Public Rebuke: The Expulsion from Plaza de Mayo

The ideological chasm within Peronism only deepened following Perón's triumphant return to power. Though initially seen by some, particularly the youth, as a patron of the left, Perón, in his third presidency, moved decisively to consolidate his authority and distance himself from the more radical elements within his movement. This shift culminated in a pivotal and highly symbolic event on May 1, 1974, during the traditional celebrations of International Workers' Day. From the iconic balcony of the Casa Rosada (the presidential palace), overlooking the historic Plaza de Mayo — a square synonymous with Argentine political rallies and national identity — President Juan Perón publicly addressed a massive crowd. In a decisive and unexpected move, he directly confronted and expelled the Montoneros from the Justicialist Party (the official political party of Peronism), denouncing them as "imposters" and "beardless youths" who sought to hijack his movement. This moment, witnessed by thousands, was a profound public disavowal, formally severing the Montoneros' ties with the official Peronist movement and signaling a tragic escalation of political violence in the years to come.

The Darkest Chapter: The Montoneros and the Dirty War

Following their public expulsion and the increasing repression by the state, the Montoneros largely went underground, escalating their armed struggle in response. However, their ultimate fate was sealed during the grim period known as the Dirty War (Guerra Sucia), which intensified dramatically after the military coup of March 1976. This was a brutal, state-sponsored campaign of terrorism carried out by successive military dictatorships against political dissidents, perceived subversives, and anyone associated with left-wing movements. Tens of thousands of Argentinians were illegally detained, tortured, and forcibly disappeared, becoming the tragic "desaparecidos." The Montoneros, like many other guerrilla groups and activists, were systematically targeted and relentlessly persecuted. By the end of the Dirty War in the early 1980s, the organization was effectively crushed, its leadership decimated, and its members either killed, imprisoned, or forced into exile, marking a tragic end to their revolutionary aspirations.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Montoneros

What was the primary ideology of the Montoneros?
The Montoneros adhered to a unique blend of revolutionary socialism and fervent Peronism. They sought to establish a "socialist homeland" within the framework of Peronist ideals, believing in armed struggle as a legitimate means to achieve social justice, national liberation, and the return of Juan Perón to power.
Why were they called "left-wing Peronists"?
They were considered "left-wing Peronists" due to their strong emphasis on social revolutionary goals, including nationalization of industries, land reform, and a more equitable distribution of wealth, often aligning with Marxist-influenced thought while maintaining loyalty to Perón's broader nationalist and populist vision.
What was the significance of the Ezeiza Massacre?
The Ezeiza Massacre on June 20, 1973, was a pivotal and tragic event that exposed the deep ideological chasm within the Peronist movement. It was a violent confrontation between left-wing and right-wing Peronist factions during Juan Perón's homecoming, definitively marking the end of unity and ushering in a period of increased internal strife and political violence.
Why did Juan Perón expel the Montoneros?
Perón expelled the Montoneros in May 1974 because he perceived their radical actions and growing independent power as a challenge to his authority and to the more moderate direction he intended for the Justicialist Party. He aimed to consolidate power and quell the internal revolutionary elements, fearing they were destabilizing his government and the broader Peronist movement.
What was the "Dirty War" and how did it affect the Montoneros?
The "Dirty War" was a period of state-sponsored terrorism in Argentina from the mid-1970s to early 1980s, primarily under military dictatorships. It involved systematic human rights abuses, including illegal detention, torture, and forced disappearances of political dissidents. The Montoneros were a primary target of this repression, and the organization was effectively dismantled and destroyed during this brutal campaign.
Where does Plaza de Mayo fit into this history?
Plaza de Mayo is Argentina's most historically significant public square, serving as a focal point for major political demonstrations and national events. Perón's public expulsion of the Montoneros from the balcony of the Casa Rosada (the presidential palace) overlooking the Plaza de Mayo on May 1, 1974, was an immensely symbolic act, underscoring the final, definitive break between the official Peronist leadership and the Montoneros' revolutionary wing.