The thesis here is that the Argentina of the 1940's provided a perfect matrix for the rise of a charismatic leader. Juan Perón did not emerge as an European-style fascist or the traditional Latin American dictator. Rather, he was called forth by his environment to exercise authority over his followers in a leader-mass, savior-disciple relationship. Perón's base environment was Argentine. Thus, Argentine patterns, values, and culture outlined the scope and methods of his rule. For this reason the total social and political behavior of the Argentine people will be studied and equated with the Perón phenomenon.