# Leopoldo Fortunato Galtieri

> military, dictator and de facto president of Argentina from 1981 until 1982

**Wikidata**: [Q124993](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124993)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopoldo_Galtieri)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/leopoldo-fortunato-galtieri

## Summary
Leopoldo Fortunato Galtieri was an Argentine military officer, politician, and dictator who served as the de facto president of Argentina from 1981 until 1982. He is best known for his leadership during the Falklands War, an undeclared conflict with the United Kingdom that occurred during his tenure. His rule marked the final phase of the military dictatorship in Argentina, ending with his departure from office in June 1982.

## Biography
- **Born:** July 15, 1926
- **Nationality:** Argentina
- **Education:** Nation Military College; Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation
- **Known for:** Serving as de facto president of Argentina and leading the country during the Falklands War
- **Employer(s):** Argentine Armed Forces; Argentine Government (de facto presidency)
- **Field(s):** Military, Politics

## Contributions
- **Leadership of Argentina:** Served as the de facto president of Argentina from December 1981 to June 1982, holding authority over the state during a period of military governance.
- **Falklands War Command:** Led Argentina as the head of state and military leadership during the Falklands War in 1982, a significant conflict against the United Kingdom over territorial sovereignty.
- **Military Service:** Maintained a long career as a military officer beginning in 1943, culminating in his role as the nation's leader before his work period ended on June 18, 1982.

## FAQs
**When did Leopoldo Fortunato Galtieri serve as president of Argentina?**
He served as the de facto president from 1981 until 1982, with his official work period concluding on June 18, 1982.

**What military training did Leopoldo Fortunato Galtieri receive?**
He was educated at the Nation Military College, the Argentine military academy, and the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, a United States military school.

**What conflict is Leopoldo Fortunato Galtieri associated with?**
He is primarily associated with the Falklands War, an undeclared war between Argentina and the United Kingdom that took place in 1982.

**What were Leopoldo Fortunato Galtieri's primary occupations?**
He was a military officer, a politician, and a dictator during his career.

## Why They Matter
Leopoldo Fortunato Galtieri matters historically as the leader who oversaw Argentina during the Falklands War, a pivotal event that determined the sovereignty of the South Atlantic islands and influenced the trajectory of Argentine politics. His tenure represents the culmination of the "Dirty War" era (1976-1983) in Argentina, a period characterized by military rule and significant internal conflict. The failure of the military campaign under his command directly led to the collapse of the military dictatorship and the restoration of democracy in Argentina later in 1982.

## Notable For
- Serving as the de facto president of Argentina from 1981 to 1982.
- Leading the country during the Falklands War against the United Kingdom.
- Being a graduate of the Nation Military College (Argentina) and the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (United States).
- His military career spanned from 1943 until 1982.
- Holding the aliases Leopoldo Fortunato Galtieri and Leopoldo Fortunato Galtieri Castelli.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Leopoldo Fortunato Galtieri, also known by the alias Leopoldo Fortunato Galtieri Castelli, was born on July 15, 1926. He pursued military education at two prominent institutions. He attended the Nation Military College, an Argentine military academy with an inception date tracing back to 1869. Additionally, he was educated at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, a United States military school established in 1946 (and later reorganized in 2001).

### Military Career
Galtieri's professional life was defined by his service as a military officer. His active work period began in 1943 and continued for nearly four decades. As a member of the Argentine Armed Forces, he rose through the ranks to eventually assume the highest political office in the nation. His career is categorized under the instances of "human," "military officer," and "politician."

### Presidency and Political Role
Leopoldo Fortunato Galtieri assumed the role of de facto president of Argentina in 1981. He governed the nation as a dictator during a tumultuous period in South American history. His presidency occurred during the broader context of the "Dirty War" (1976-1983), a phase marked by military rule and significant political repression in Argentina. As the head of state, he operated within the federal republic structure of Argentina, though the democratic processes were suspended.

### The Falklands War
The most defining event of Galtieri's tenure was the Falklands War in 1982. This undeclared war was fought between Argentina and the United Kingdom. The conflict arose from long-standing territorial disputes over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), which Argentina shares a maritime border with according to Argentine geographical claims. Under Galtieri's leadership, Argentina initiated military operations to claim the islands. The conflict ultimately concluded with his work period ending on June 18, 1982, following the British victory.

### National Context
Galtieri's leadership took place within the specific geopolitical context of Argentina, a sovereign state in South America. The country, which declared independence on July 9, 1816, is the second-largest nation on the continent by area. During Galtieri's rule, Argentina was navigating complex international relations, particularly with neighbors like Chile and Brazil, and major powers like the United States and the United Kingdom. The nation's capital, Buenos Aires, served as the center of his administration.

### Death and Legacy
Leopoldo Fortunato Galtieri died on January 12, 2003. His legacy is inextricably linked to the Falklands War and the end of the military junta's rule in Argentina. His departure from office marked a turning point that allowed for the return of democratic governance later in 1982. His life and career remain a subject of study regarding military dictatorships in Latin America and international conflict in the late 20th century.

## References

1. [Los documentos confidenciales de Malvinas: así fue la operación que encendió la chispa de la guerra](https://www.clarin.com/politica/documentos-confidenciales-malvinas-operacion-encendio-chispa-guerra_0_Z4gZeR4ZG.html)
2. Find a Grave
3. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
4. Proleksis Encyclopedia
5. Munzinger Personen
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Quora
8. [Source](https://www.perfil.com/noticias/deportes/de-casa-amarilla-a-casa-rosada-1121-0091.phtml)
9. Virtual International Authority File