Role In World War II
Population: 12 762 000 (in 1938).
Borders with Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay. It has also access to the Atlantic Ocean. Area: 2 778 400 squared kilometers. Capital City: Buenos Aires Overview: Before the war, Argentina was a center of struggle against progressive forces in Latin America; since 1935 it was a member of the Latin American Anti-Comintern Pact, in 1936 it prohibited all Communist activities within its borders, and it increasingly began backing Nazi Germany and its allies. Argentina's financial oligarchy and the leaders of its armed forces held a virtual monopoly on power. After the outbrake of hostilities in 1939, Argentina maintained an Axis-friendly neutrality; during the conference of Latin America's foreign ministers held in Rio de Janeiro (between 15 and 26 January of 1942) it rejected appeals to sever diplomatic ties with the Axis. In June of 1943, a coup d'etat was successfully executed under the leadership of A. Rawson, P. Ramirez, and J. Peron; these leaders took advantage of the pro-fascist mood prevailing in the country to establish a military dictatorship. Under pressure from the U.S., on 26/01/1944 Argentina severed diplomatic links with both Germany and Japan; on 27/03/1945 it formally declared on them war but it never actively participated in the struggle against either of these countries. During World War II, Argentina was ruled by a coalition of conservative, radical and independent socialists (Spanish: La Concordancia, i. e.: Concordance) until 1943 and then by a de facto military government. Despite the sympathy of the government of Concordance for Great Britain, the country's political tradition made the neutralist sentiments prevail. Many Argentines saw the war as a potential source of economic benefit by exporting to both sides. The decision to remain neutral had full British support but was rejected by the United States after the attack on Pearl Harbor. A new military coup toppled the government, and lead by Edelmiro Julian Farrell finally gave in to international pressure. Argentina declared war on the Axis Powers on March 27, 1945, a month before the war in Europe ended (27 March 1945). More than 750 Argentine volunteers fought in the British, South African and Canadian Air Forces. 164 (Argentine-British) Squadron RAF saw action in Northern France and Belgium. Nearly 4,000 Argentine volunteers fought on the Allied side. During World War II, 4,000 Argentines served with all three British armed services, even though Argentina was officially a neutral country during the war. Over 600 Argentine volunteers served with both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force, mostly in No. 164 (Argentine) squadron,whose shield bore the sun from the Flag of Argentina and the motto, "Determined We Fly (Firmes Volamos)". Maureen Dunlop, born in Quilmes, left her Australian/English parents to join the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA). She recorded over 800hrs service, ferrying Spitfires, Mosquitos P-51 Mustangs, Typhoons, and bomber types including the Wellington and Lancaster to the frontline RAF stations. After being photographed exiting her Fairey Barracuda, she featured on the cover of Picture Post on September 16, 1942 and became a wartime pin-up. Nearly 500 Argentines served in the Royal Navy around the world, from the North Atlantic to the South Pacific. Many were part of the special forces, Many members of the Anglo-Argentine community also volunteered in non-combat roles, or worked to raise money and supplies for British troops. Nazi Presence Before the war Argentina hosted a strong, very-well-organized pro-Nazi element that was controlled by the German ambassador. In 1945-46, under Peron's leadership the government quietly allowed entry of a number of Nazi leaders fleeing Europe after Nazi Germany's collapse. The number of Nazi fugitives that fled to Argentina surpassed 300. In May 1960, Holocaust administrator Adolf Eichmann was captured in Argentina by the Israeli Mossad and brought to trial, and execution, in Israel. |
Main articles: Military history of Argentina and Argentina in World War II
During the period of World War II, Argentina was ruled by a coalition of conservative, radical and independent socialists (Spanish: La Concordancia, i. e.: Concordance) until 1943 and then by a de facto military government. Despite the sympathy of the government of Concordance for Great Britain, the country's political tradition made the neutralist sentiments prevail. Many Argentines saw the war as a potential source of economic benefit by exporting to both sides. The military government of Edelmiro Julian Farrell finally gave in to international pressure, and Argentina joined other countries in Latin America and declared war on Germany and Japan, a month before the war in Europe ended (27 March 1945).
More than 750 Argentine volunteers fought in the British, South African and Canadian Air Forces. 164 (Argentine-British) Squadron RAF saw action in Northern France and Belgium. Nearly 4,000 Argentine volunteers fought on the Allied side.[2][3]
Argentina stayed neutral during World War II, a decision that had full British support but was rejected by the United States after the attack on Pearl Harbor. A new military coup toppled the government, and Argentina declared war on the Axis Powers on March 27, 1945, a month before the end of World War II in Europe.
During the period of World War II, Argentina was ruled by a coalition of conservative, radical and independent socialists (Spanish: La Concordancia, i. e.: Concordance) until 1943 and then by a de facto military government. Despite the sympathy of the government of Concordance for Great Britain, the country's political tradition made the neutralist sentiments prevail. Many Argentines saw the war as a potential source of economic benefit by exporting to both sides. The military government of Edelmiro Julian Farrell finally gave in to international pressure, and Argentina joined other countries in Latin America and declared war on Germany and Japan, a month before the war in Europe ended (27 March 1945).
More than 750 Argentine volunteers fought in the British, South African and Canadian Air Forces. 164 (Argentine-British) Squadron RAF saw action in Northern France and Belgium. Nearly 4,000 Argentine volunteers fought on the Allied side.[2][3]
Argentina stayed neutral during World War II, a decision that had full British support but was rejected by the United States after the attack on Pearl Harbor. A new military coup toppled the government, and Argentina declared war on the Axis Powers on March 27, 1945, a month before the end of World War II in Europe.