Перон. Любимый народом диктатор

Today's lecture is about the Argentinean dictator Juan Peron and his wife, Evita. The support from sponsors and patrons is appreciated.

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On July 26, 1952, the spiritual leader of Argentina, Eva Perón passed away. Her death caused a nationwide mourning where all life in Argentina came to a halt. Despite some dissenting voices like Julio Cortácer's character who felt sick at the sight of Evita's portrait, most people mourned her deeply. After embalming and a ten-day farewell period for public viewing, plans were made to build a mausoleum for her final resting place.

The Disappearance of Eva's Body In 1955, after the overthrow of Perón, Eva Perón's body disappeared and was rumored to have been stolen by the military. It was subjected to abuse and moved multiple times before being taken to Italy in 1957 for a secret burial under a different name. The whereabouts of her body remained unknown, leading to graffiti on walls questioning its location.

The Postmortem Journey After various moves across countries, Evita's body ended up with Juan Perón in Madrid. In 1970, it was dug out from its grave as part of a kidnapping exchange but wasn't returned to Buenos Aires due to public reluctance. Her well-preserved body underwent cleaning and restoration before being displayed at Peron's house for two years. Eventually transported back from Spain in poor condition, it rested next to Juan Perón until plans were made for an elaborate display that never materialized due political changes.

The contradictory nature of Juan Per\u00f3n and Evita, adored by some and hated by others. Per\u00f3n's contradictions in character, from populist orator to sober pragmatist. His devotion to the army and exile experience.

The Enigmatic Perón Perón's life and fate have been extensively documented, but the trustworthiness of these accounts is questionable. His extensive archive has been neglected, with many documents eaten by rats. The study of Perón is far from over as new findings may change existing assessments.

The Controversial Evita Ava Peron deliberately misrepresented facts in her biography and falsified documents. Her autobiography, though compulsory in Argentine schools, also raises questions about its veracity. The cult-like adoration of Evita and the controversy surrounding her portrayal reveal insights into Argentina's history and human psychology.

In the 1920s, Argentina was a rich and stable country, considered one of the richest in Latin America. However, it experienced political instability with 25 changes of government and numerous coups between 1930 and 1987. The history of this period is marked by political assassinations, torture, kidnappings, and other horrors.

Juan Perón was born in 1895 in the small town of Lobos, Argentina. His childhood was marked by a significant gap between cosmopolitan Buenos Aires and the rural life of the country. Raised in difficult circumstances with distant relationships with his parents, he moved to Patagonia where he developed an appreciation for nature and dogs. Despite financial constraints, his family valued education and sent him to school in Buenos Aires.

Juan Perón enrolls in a military college and excels as a junior officer. He is remembered for his caring attitude towards soldiers, often lending them money and being deeply engaged with their well-being. His intense work ethic, love for reading, and charismatic personality make him highly respected among his peers.

Perón's Passion for Sports Perón is deeply involved in sports, excelling at fencing and boxing. He introduces basketball to his staff to promote a healthy lifestyle among them.

The Three Important Books Perón treasures three books given by his father: Martin Fiero, Plutarch's Comparative hagiographies, and 'Letters to His Son' by Lord Chesterfield. These books greatly influence Peron throughout his life.

Crisis in Argentina: Political and Social Unrest In the 1930s, Argentina faced a political crisis despite seemingly stable economic conditions. The military was discontent with corruption, electoral fraud, and unfair promotions. Meanwhile, society was divided between wealthy urban areas and impoverished rural regions due to government interventions. Additionally, the country suffered from an economic downturn caused by reduced exports of agricultural products.

Rise of Extreme Nationalism and Fraudulent Democracy The crisis led to two main reactions: the rise of extreme nationalist views advocating for state power on one hand; while on the other hand, there emerged what's been termed as a fraudulent democracy characterized by corrupt practices within politics.

In 1930, a state coup took place in Argentina due to the rotten state of democracy. Two groups of military men independently plotted a coup - one aimed for firm military government and the other inclined towards sharing power with civilians. The focus was on overthrowing the president rather than discussing political or economic reforms.

In the 1930s to early 1940s, Argentina faced political turmoil with military factions vying for power and rampant election fraud. The Great Depression worsened economic conditions, leading to mass migration of workers into Buenos Aires from rural areas.

In the 1930s, Perón was not in a position of power and his actions were shrouded in mystery. He disappeared during a military coup and later claimed to have been agitating soldiers, although this could not be confirmed. His activities included intelligence missions to Bolivia, Paraguay, and Chile as well as creating a spy network. A scandal involving secret documents led to accusations against him by Major Eduardo Lonardi.

Perón's Mission to Italy and Germany In the late 1930s, Perón was sent to Italy on a very important mission where he met Mussolini and advised him. He also observed the German army in occupied Paris. Despite being a military attaché, his sudden consultation with Mussolini raised doubts about his role during the war. However, it is clear that he trained with Italian troops and studied mountain warfare while enjoying both Italy and Germany.

Perón's Fascist Sympathies and Post-War Actions Perón openly admired Mussolini but kept quiet about Hitler. His administration had similarities with fascist regimes in terms of state control, unions accountability, orderliness, etc. Argentina became a safe haven for Nazi criminals after World War II due to Peron's close ties with them; however there are conflicting views on whether this was solely for taking advantage of German expertise or if he understood their criminal backgrounds.

During the Second World War, Argentina faced economic challenges as its main trading partner, Great Britain, reduced demand for Argentine meat. Seeking new trade ties, Perón established connections with Germany. Many Argentinians held extreme nationalist and pro-German sentiments due to admiration for Germany's army and a desire for order amidst political turmoil.

The 1943 State Coup in Argentina In 1943, discontent grew in the Argentine army due to the president's appointment of a rich merchant as his successor. Suspicions arose about the president's alliance with the United States and pro-German sentiments among officers. This led to the formation of a society of officers called GOU, which included Peron. The coup resulted in President Castillo resigning and General Rusen being appointed as an unexpected pro-American president.

Political Chaos and Power Struggle After President Castillo resigned, chaos ensued with conflicting motives among conspirators regarding Germany and America alliances. A firefight broke out between factions during their own revolution but caused no casualties. General Rusen was appointed as an unexpected pro-American president by mostly pro-German conspirators but was later ousted for appointing ministers against their wishes.

Perón's Rise to Power Juan Perón strategically positions himself within the revolution, gaining influence and power through calculated moves. He rises from a military minister to head of the secretariat in the Department of Defense, demonstrating his shift away from teaching and into political games. Perón aligns with like-minded individuals in key army positions and secures their allegiance by manipulating appointments.

Political Maneuvering Perón leverages his position as head of an insignificant institution to gain control over it, effectively creating a special ministry directly under the president's authority. He skillfully manipulates President Farrell while consolidating his own power base within various government roles.

After becoming the minister in charge of social policy, Perón actively implements a new social policy for Argentina. He uses radio as the most important instrument to reach a wide audience and announces the beginning of a new era of social policy. Surrounding himself with left-wing intellectuals and economists, he develops proactive state-led policies to address poverty, low wages, and lack of social legislation.

Perón had allies like Cipriano Reyes, a tough man from the meat packers' union who was invaluable in organizing street clashes. Domingo Mercante, an officer and long-time friend of Perón, remained devoted to him despite opposition attempts and being removed from important positions.

Perón's Relationship with Trade Unions Juan Perón has strong ties to labor unions and is actively engaging with them, welcoming union representatives to his office and demonstrating a supportive policy. He negotiates wage increases and limits the right to fire, gaining popularity among workers. However, he dissolves existing unions and creates new ones subordinate to the state.

Perón's Rise in Popularity Despite denying any interest in becoming president, Juan Perón gains popularity through propaganda by supporters as he makes improvements for workers while also raising military pay.

In 1944, Perón meets Ava Duarte after an earthquake. He was a widower and had a young sweetheart whom he kept out of the public eye. When San Juan is devastated by an earthquake, Perón organizes help and fundraisers where he meets actress Eva Duarte.

Eva's Childhood and Family Eva Peron was born in 1919 in a small town, Los Toldos. Her father abandoned her family when she was one year old, leaving them with financial struggles and social stigma. The humiliation of being treated as illegitimate had a lasting impact on Eva.

Desire for Change and Stardom Despite the hardships, Evita dreamed of a better life inspired by American actress Norma Shearer who rose from poverty to stardom. This fueled her desire to eliminate rich people while helping the poor. Even during her unhappy childhood, she longed for celebrity status.

In 1935, at the age of 16, Eva leaves Junin and moves to Buenos Aires with unclear motives. Rumors about her relationship with a famous singer are debunked as false. Despite facing hardships and rumors of prostitution, she rises in the entertainment industry through radio soap operas.

During a fundraiser, Evita meets Peron and they hit it off. They spend the evening talking and go home together. Despite Peron having a 16-year-old mistress, he openly embraces his relationship with Evita.

Perón and Eva's union was not based on passion or strong feelings, but rather on their desire for power. They idolized each other, with Evita preserving affectionate letters from Peron. Their relationship focused more on building their public image than having a private life.

In 1945, a conspiracy involving the arrest of several hundred officers and bizarre accusations aimed at creating resentment in the army leads to growing support for Perón. A large gathering spontaneously decides to ask Perón to be their president, causing tension with General Farrell.

Farrell is pressured to get rid of Peron, leading to a complicated situation. Despite resigning from all his posts, it's revealed that Peron was not kicked out but resigned honorably due to the upcoming elections. He leaves home with Evita and others after learning about an order for his arrest.

The myth that Evita saved Perón by rallying the people is incorrect, as she was still a nobody at that time. Despite being fired from radio and facing rejection, Cipriano Reyes played a key role in mobilizing labor unions to support Perón. Workers silently marched into Buenos Aires amid rumors of losing their benefits after Perón's removal.

On October 17th, Perón established a profound connection with his followers, emphasizing direct contact and unity as the basis of his power. He prioritized faith over detailed political or economic programs, urging people to vote with their hearts.

After marrying Peron, Eva's image changed from an actress and mistress to the wife of a presidential candidate. The marriage was necessary for Peron's political decorum, leading to the confiscation of her previous movie and images that were considered inappropriate.

Eva Perón, the wife of the future president, played a crucial role in Perón's election campaign. Despite opposition and accusations from his opponents and American Ambassador Braden, Perón emphasized his connection to the people and traditional morals. With support from the Church and a focus on social justice, he won over 52% of votes to become president.

Perón's Economic Policies and Social Justice During Perón's first term as president from 1946 to 1952, he focused on nationalizing key sectors of the economy such as the Central Bank, railroads, public transportation, and maritime transportation. He also implemented a dramatic expansion of social policies that provided full employment through the public sector. However, these initiatives led to wild inflation which eroded their impact on social programs.

Consolidation of Power and Repeal of Presidential Term Limit Perón established a strong state control over the economy while defiantly establishing relations with the Soviet Union and cooling relations with America. He dissolved all opposing parties in his coalition after being elected and formed one single party supporting him. Additionally, he repealed the clause prohibiting presidential re-election for a second term against his initial reluctance.

Perón's Crackdown on Opposition The tightening of the regime led to penalties for disrespecting authorities, banning of electoral coalitions, and complications in forming new parties. Perón aimed to crush any opposition sprouts by using torture chambers and targeting intellectuals. He also manipulated the press by shutting down newspapers or changing their political views through ownership changes.

Suppression of Intellectual Elite The resistance from the intellectual elite was met with arrests, forced dismissals, and reassignments. Notable figures like Jorge Luis Borges faced repercussions for criticizing Perón's regime. The control extended to universities as professors were fired or universities were brought under state control.

Evita's Transformation Eva Perón undergoes a remarkable transformation from an actress and officer's mistress to the wife of the president, and eventually becomes a revered figure. Her evolution is marked by her involvement in charitable activities, social issues, and her glamorous appearance with luxurious dresses and diamonds.

The Rainbow Tour In 1947, Eva Perón embarks on a goodwill ambassador tour through Europe known as the 'Rainbow Tour.' She receives grand welcomes in Spain (including a medal), Italy (meeting with the Pope), Portugal, France (received by de Gaulle), but faces hostility in Switzerland. Despite causing excitement wherever she goes, she feels incredibly insecure at times during this high-profile trip.

Evita's Transformation After a successful trip, Evita returns changed and more aggressive. She shifts from glamorous to businesslike attire and sets up the Eva Peron Foundation dedicated to helping vulnerable populations. Despite facing opposition from various groups, she works tirelessly for 20 hours a day.

The Eva Peron Foundation Evita establishes the foundation to provide personalized help with resources obtained through government subsidies, donations, and forced contributions from organizations. The foundation becomes powerful with thousands of people working for it and influences surpassing ministries.

Evita worked on maintaining her image, accepting everyone and giving more than asked for. She was given nicknames like 'Mrs. Hope' and 'bridge of love.' The cult of Evita took hold, with Western feminists seeing her as a strong woman while in Argentina she was emphasized for her feminine characteristics and adoration for Perón.

Eva Perón, known as Evita, wields significant influence by creating a women's party that supports Peronist policies. She negotiates with strikers and union representatives, transitioning from a first lady to a prominent public figure. Her speeches fuel hatred towards anti-Peronists and emphasize her unwavering devotion to Juan Perón.

Eva Perón battles uterine cancer, conceals her illness, and endures a painful death. Despite public adulation, she refuses to become vice president due to her declining health. Rumors of a lobotomy surface but are dismissed as conspiracy theories.

Perón changes the constitution to run for a second term, facing unrest in Argentina. Economic situation worsens due to inflation and state intervention. Perón responds violently to opposition, leading crowds to attack political enemies' headquarters.

Perón's conflict with the church arises from his controversial policies, including legalizing prostitution and allowing divorce. Rumors about Perón living with a 14-year-old girl further fueled the conflict. The Vatican condemned Peron for his behavior in 1955, leading to widespread demonstrations and civil unrest.

After being overthrown, Perón flees to Paraguay and befriends the dictator there. Borges expresses disgust for him and refuses to mention his name in his stories. Despite moving between countries, Perón keeps hoping to return.

Amidst the chaos and turmoil in Argentina, Perón's popularity is on the rise. Left-wing terrorist groups and right-wing nationalists are both vying for his return, indicating that he transcends ideology. He flirts with both left and right factions while maintaining power through his charisma.

In 1973, an election is held in Argentina. Perón wants to run but they won't let him, so the Peronist Hector Campora runs in his place and wins. Upon taking office on May 25th, he amnesties all political prisoners. Less than a month later, Perón returns to Argentina and is greeted by a huge crowd at the airport.

In 1973, at the age of 79 and in poor health, Perón wins a new election after resignations by the president and vice president. He appoints his economic advisor as a communist and makes his wife the vice president. His secretary, Jose Lopez Rega, known as 'the Wizard,' wields significant influence with mystical beliefs. The regime is marked by arrests and violence until Peron's death in 1974.

Despite differing opinions about their legacy, both Perón and Evita remain popular figures in Argentina. Their enduring popularity reflects the challenge of establishing rational democratic ideas and institutions in the country.