Eva Maria Duarte was born out of wedlock to a wealthy planter in rural Argentina in 1919.  Her father already had a wife and family while he continued a relationship with her mother, Juana Ibaguren. It was not uncommon for wealthy men in male dominated Argentine society to have several families. The children from such an arrangement were considered a lower class before the law. This was a past which Eva tried to erase, but which she could not escape in her climb to the top.

    From this humble beginning, Eva went on to become a model, actress, radio star and finally the first lady of Argentina. She rose to be the most powerful woman in a country whose culture was heavily male-dominated, and was nominated for the vice-presidency. She founded organizations to help the poor and working classes, championed women's rights and was largely believed to be the force which kept her husband in power.

    Below you will find links you can use in gathering background information on Evita.