In this discussion, Evita, the passionate leader and fierce supporter of Perón, shares her tumultuous journey as the 'mother of the nation.' The conversation dives into her shocking health struggles and the emotional toll they took on her public image. Evita grapples with the intense pressure of her supporters rallying for her vice-presidential nomination, as she stands before massive crowds. The episode also examines the bizarre events following her untimely death, blending devotion, chaos, and political intrigue in a gripping narrative.
Evita's deteriorating health and public martyrdom significantly amplified her status as a national symbol amid the political struggles of the Peronist regime.
Her death evoked unprecedented national mourning, reflecting both deep adulation and societal division, which transformed Argentine political and emotional landscapes.
Deep dives
Ava Perón's Unique Cult Status
Ava Perón, often referred to as Evita, became an emblematic figure in Argentine history, with her cult-like status firmly established by the early 1950s. Her influence was reflected in poetry dedicated to her, highlighting her revered role as a national symbol and a maternal figure to the people of Argentina. This adoration drew on religious undertones, with comparisons made to the Virgin Mary, elevating her to a divine status in the eyes of her followers. The poem discussed in the episode exemplifies the glorification of her image, firmly cementing her position as the 'mother of the nation' in a deeply Catholic society.
Health Decline and Political Implications
Ava's health significantly declined in 1950, coinciding with a critical political period for her husband, Juan Perón. Initially reported to have had appendicitis, it later emerged that she was suffering from advanced uterine cancer, which she was reluctant to publicly acknowledge or treat. This denial may have stemmed from her perception of being the 'mother of the nation,' leading her to postpone necessary medical intervention. Her refusal to step back from public life despite her deteriorating condition ultimately became intertwined with the political climate, as her ill health mirrored the struggles of the Peronist regime at that time.
Symbol of Sacrifice and Political Drama
As her condition worsened, Ava's public persona became one of martyrdom, culminating in a dramatic display during a major rally in 1951, where she emotionally connected with her followers. The cuts and bruises of her health served as a physical embodiment of the nation’s struggles, which further entrenched her symbolic status among the people. Her refusal to step back from public life was viewed as a sacrifice for her nation, dramatizing her narrative and intensifying the political landscape in Argentina. This build-up of emotion and melodrama in public appearances can be likened to a soap opera, connecting deeply with the citizenry and creating a narrative of devotion that resonated profoundly in Argentine culture.
The Aftermath of Death and National Mourning
Upon Ava Perón's death in July 1952, a profound national mourning ensued, with public expressions of grief reaching unprecedented levels. Authorities enforced a shutdown of public life, ensuring cinemas, theaters, and restaurants closed as the nation grieved, and a record number of citizens lined up to view her embalmed body. Her death catalyzed a collective emotional moment in Argentine history, as the public reacted both with adulation and backlash, revealing the divide within the society. The emphasis on the rituals surrounding her passing, such as elaborate mass gatherings and demonstrations of loyalty, showcased how her life and death had forever altered the Argentine political landscape and the emotional fabric of the nation.
The workaholic mother of a nation, Evita’s health deteriorates and she faints at a public event. A self-proclaimed martyr, she seems to be willing to die for Perón and Perónism, and her supporters see her passion. As she continues her public work, her supporters call for her to run as Vice President in the upcoming election - a position of power no woman on Earth has yet held. Evita’s supporters seem to outnumber Colonel Perón’s, with unions organising mass meetings that bring up to 2 million people to the city streets.
As the couple look out at the crowds from the balcony, they get the sense that they have created a monster of a movement that they may have lost control over…
Listen as Tom and Dominic discuss the growing public frenzy that snowballs in Argentina towards the end of Evita’s life.
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*The Rest Is History LIVE in the U.S.A.*
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*The Rest Is History LIVE at the Royal Albert Hall*
Tom and Dominic, accompanied by a live orchestra, take a deep dive into the lives and times of two of history’s greatest composers: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven.