Category
Oral - Textual or Investigative
Description
Born in the rural town of Los Toldos, Argentina, Eva María Duarte was not the heiress to great wealth, fame, or success. The illegitimate daughter of a wealthy farmer, Eva was often overlooked and shunned by siblings and citizens of her town. Her rise to fame as one of Argentina’s most renowned historic figures was unprecedented, and it did not follow the acceptable patterns of her time nor those of other great Latin American heroes. From rumors of a romantic relationship with a dashing guitarist to her fateful move to the city of Buenos Aires and her marriage to the low-ranking Minister of War, Juan Domingo Perón, who would become President of Argentina, the life of the now-iconic Eva Perón is shrouded in mystery. This research explores the myths, presuppositions, and assumptions made about Eva Perón’s life and influence, and separates fact from fiction and speculation. It is a study of the charismatic leadership of one of Latin America’s most famous ruling couples and an exposition of the origins of many long-perpetuated rumors regarding Eva Perón’s rise to fame. Known charmingly as “Evita,” a nickname that garnered international renown with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical of the same name, Perón is often viewed as a sleazy, over-sexualized female powerhouse rather than a charismatic, adoring, and calculated leader who sought to accomplish what she perceived as best for her nation. Using Evita’s memoir, primary sources from those affected by her policies, and modern praises of her work, the research seeks to provide an accurate portrait of Argentina’s most loved First Lady, Eva Perón.
Evita: The Unassuming Rise of Argentina's Most Beloved First Lady
Oral - Textual or Investigative
Born in the rural town of Los Toldos, Argentina, Eva María Duarte was not the heiress to great wealth, fame, or success. The illegitimate daughter of a wealthy farmer, Eva was often overlooked and shunned by siblings and citizens of her town. Her rise to fame as one of Argentina’s most renowned historic figures was unprecedented, and it did not follow the acceptable patterns of her time nor those of other great Latin American heroes. From rumors of a romantic relationship with a dashing guitarist to her fateful move to the city of Buenos Aires and her marriage to the low-ranking Minister of War, Juan Domingo Perón, who would become President of Argentina, the life of the now-iconic Eva Perón is shrouded in mystery. This research explores the myths, presuppositions, and assumptions made about Eva Perón’s life and influence, and separates fact from fiction and speculation. It is a study of the charismatic leadership of one of Latin America’s most famous ruling couples and an exposition of the origins of many long-perpetuated rumors regarding Eva Perón’s rise to fame. Known charmingly as “Evita,” a nickname that garnered international renown with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical of the same name, Perón is often viewed as a sleazy, over-sexualized female powerhouse rather than a charismatic, adoring, and calculated leader who sought to accomplish what she perceived as best for her nation. Using Evita’s memoir, primary sources from those affected by her policies, and modern praises of her work, the research seeks to provide an accurate portrait of Argentina’s most loved First Lady, Eva Perón.
Comments
Undergraduate