El día del júbilo nazi en Buenos Aires: así fue el acto del Luna Park de 1938 | Atlas del Nazismo
Contextualizing the Holocaust in Argentina
Introduction to the Speaker and Historical Background
- Jonathan Carsen introduces himself as the Executive Director of the Holocaust Museum in Buenos Aires, providing a historical context for Argentina in 1938.
- The period is described as "la década infame," marked by fraudulent governments that came to power.
The April 10, 1938 Event
- A significant event took place at Luna Park, organized by local Austrian and German communities celebrating Austria's annexation by Germany.
- The celebration included Nazi flags, highlighting the open support for Nazism among some Argentine communities.
Rise of Anti-Semitism and Political Climate
- By April 1938, it was evident that Jews in Germany were increasingly vulnerable due to escalating anti-Semitic laws enacted since 1933.
- All opposition to Nazism had been suppressed; many opponents were imprisoned or exiled.
Local Reactions and Resistance
- In response to the Nazi celebration, the Federación Universitaria Argentina organized a counter-event at Plaza San Martín with around 5,000 attendees.
- This counter-protest was met with police repression, indicating tensions within Argentine society regarding Nazi sympathies.
European Influence in Buenos Aires
- Buenos Aires had a strong European presence due to immigration from Europe since the late 19th century.
- The city's cosmopolitan nature contributed to its complex social dynamics during this tumultuous period.