The Rest Is History 497. Evita: Death of a Martyr (Part 4)
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Sep 23, 2024 The emotional toll of Evita's declining health turns her into a martyr figure in Argentina. Supporters rally for her to run for Vice President, a groundbreaking move for women worldwide. As public sentiment swells, Perón and Evita sense they’ve unleashed a powerful movement. Amid her struggle, her illness and public appearances become a spectacle of political sacrifice. Following her death, unique mourning rituals engulf the nation, showcasing her profound impact and the complex legacy she left behind.
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Poem Praising Evita
- Tom and Dominic discuss a poem praising Eva Perón, written by José María Castañera de Dios in 1951.
- The poem describes Evita as a figure of hope and faith, embodying the spirit of Argentina.
Cult of Evita
- By 1951, the cult of Evita had become firmly established, incorporating religious undertones.
- Evita's nicknames, such as "Lady of Hope" and "Bridge of Love," echoed Marian imagery, blurring the lines between political and religious devotion.
Evita's Illness
- In 1950, Evita collapsed and disappeared from public view for days, initially attributed to appendicitis.
- Later, it was revealed she likely had uterine cancer, but refused a hysterectomy, possibly due to her persona as the "mother of the nation."