Chapter 6, Europe Summary and Analysis

Evita would visit Europe in 1947; the Spanish government had invited her to visit in a non-official capacity. Italy and France were quickly added to her itinerary; Britain was added later. It is unclear why she was invited, but one reason is probably that it could have been dangerous for Peron to go himself. Evita wanted to go to defy the women of the oligarchy who thought little of her. Liliane accompanied her, as did her brother, among others. In some ways, Evita was sad to go but was also excited. She made sure her staff was under control. Generalissimo Franco welcomed Evita with open arms. The Spanish press discussed the visit but was censured so could not criticize her. But the New York Times estimated that her trip cost four million dollars. Evita acted as if she had been...