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How did Argentina’s defeat affect its military government?

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Map showing the Falkland Islands War of 1982, with the left inset displaying southern South America, highlighting Argentina, the Falkland Islands, Argentine air force and naval bases, and the British 200-mile war zone. The main map details West and East Falkland, marking Argentine troop concentrations, areas of conflict, and the path of the British advance toward Stanley, along with key settlements and landing sites. — Falkland Islands War The Falkland Islands War zone (left) and route of British landing forces (right).

Argentina’s defeat in the Falkland Islands War severely discredited the military government, which had failed to adequately prepare or support its forces during the conflict it initiated.1

The immediate political consequences included:

Leadership Resignation: Three days after the surrender on June 14, 1982, Lieutenant General Leopoldo Galtieri resigned as both president and commander in chief of the army.23
Junta Instability: General Reynaldo Bignone was installed as president on July 1, 1982. In protest of this appointment, the representatives of the air force and the navy resigned from the junta, though it was later reconstituted.23
Transition to Democracy: Under Bignone’s administration, political parties were permitted to resume activities, and general elections were announced. This process culminated in the election of Raúl Alfonsín on October 30, 1983, marking the restoration of civilian rule in Argentina.231