General Videla Part 3: God, Football, the Falklands
Real Dictators
Deep Dive
Why did General Videla and Henry Kissinger visit the Peruvian football team before their match against Argentina?
Videla and Kissinger visited the Peruvian team to appeal to the concept of Latin American brotherhood, suggesting that Peru should let Argentina win to allow a South American nation to have a shot at World Cup glory.
What was the international perception of Argentina under Videla's regime in 1978?
The international perception of Argentina was negative, with the US imposing sanctions, and countries like France and Sweden seeking information on disappeared citizens. The UN was also compiling lists of the disappeared, leading Videla to claim it was an anti-Argentine campaign by the international left.
How did the 1978 World Cup help Videla's regime domestically and internationally?
The World Cup was used to improve Argentina's image both domestically and internationally. It aimed to show Argentina as a trustworthy and capable country, capable of hosting a major event, which could help wash away the regime's guilt and improve its international standing.
What was the role of Admiral Massera in the organization of the 1978 World Cup?
Admiral Massera was a key figure in the organization of the World Cup, being the real football enthusiast within the Junta. He was instrumental in establishing Carlos Lacoste as the organizer and in maintaining close links with FIFA, which helped in the successful staging of the tournament.
What was the impact of the 1978 World Cup on the scrutiny of Videla's regime?
The World Cup increased international scrutiny on Videla's regime. While it showcased Argentina's capabilities as a host, it also provided a platform for critics to highlight the regime's human rights abuses, such as the disappearances and torture centers like the ESMA.
What were the accusations surrounding the Argentina-Peru match in the 1978 World Cup?
The Argentina-Peru match was accused of being fixed, with rumors suggesting that Peru was offered $20,000 each to throw the game. There were also accusations of political prisoner transfers and grain shipments between the countries, though no conclusive evidence was found.
How did Videla's regime attempt to change Argentina's international image during the 1978 World Cup?
Videla's regime hired a US advertising agency, Burson-Marsteller, to create a slogan, 'We Argentines are righteous and humane,' which was printed on 250,000 bumper stickers. They also took out full-page ads in major newspapers worldwide to combat negative perceptions.
What was the significance of Argentina winning the 1978 World Cup for Videla's regime?
Argentina's victory in the 1978 World Cup was a significant propaganda win for Videla's regime. It helped to project an image of a united and successful Argentina, distracting from the regime's human rights abuses and boosting its international standing.
How did the 1978 World Cup affect the dynamics within Videla's regime?
The 1978 World Cup marked a turning point where the cracks within the dictatorship became more visible. The decline in repression after the World Cup led to increased public unrest and a loss of purpose for the regime, contributing to its eventual collapse.
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