La Noche de los Bastones Largos. Memorias de Exactas

Summary

The video delves into the impact of Argentina's 1966 military coup on the University of Buenos Aires, focusing on the violent intervention at the Faculty of Exact Sciences. Professors and students faced physical aggression as they resisted the military regime, leading to mass resignations. The narrative reflects on the academic and political turmoil, highlighting the loss of reformist ideals, the faculty's resilience, and the eventual recovery of democratic principles after the dictatorship. It underscores the tension between education and authoritarianism, and the lasting influence on the future of the university.

Takeaways

• 😀 The institutional crisis in Argentina culminated in the removal of President Arturo Illia on June 28, 1966, and the establishment of military rule under Onganía.
• 😀 The rector of the University of Buenos Aires called for the defense of the university's autonomy and urged students to reject any government interference.
• 😀 The period was marked by a significant academic and political shift, with faculty members like Risieri Frondizi pushing for reforms that prioritized scientific research and technological advancement.
• 😀 The University of Buenos Aires' Exact Sciences Faculty was seen as a leading force of academic growth and innovation, contributing significantly to Argentina's intellectual and scientific development.
• 😀 Despite political tensions within the university, including ideological debates between leftist and conservative factions, the university maintained its independence from political parties.
• 😀 During this time, Argentine universities faced significant ideological battles, with some groups questioning the relationship between education and society, and others focused on advancing national needs through science.
• 😀 The military regime led by Onganía took a firm stance against academic freedom, with heavy censorship and intervention in universities, including the use of police force to suppress academic resistance.
• 😀 A group of faculty members and students resigned in protest of the military intervention, viewing it as a betrayal of academic principles and freedom, though the resignation was also seen as a form of passive resistance.
• 😀 Many professors and students, faced with repression and violence, chose to leave the university or flee the country, marking a painful period in the academic and political history of Argentina.
• 😀 Despite the setbacks, the commitment to educational ideals and the pursuit of knowledge remained strong among those who stayed, with efforts to rebuild the university and its academic standards after the return of democracy.

Q & A

What major political event is discussed in the script, and what year did it occur?

The script discusses the 1966 military coup in Argentina, which led to the removal of President Arturo Illia from office and the beginning of military rule in the country.

How did the coup impact the university system in Argentina?

The military coup severely impacted the university system by repressing intellectuals, curtailing academic freedoms, and forcing many faculty members into resignation or exile. The military government took direct control over academic institutions.

What was the role of the student movement in the university during this period?

The student movement played a crucial role in resisting government actions. They were involved in protests, debates, and efforts to protect academic integrity, often clashing with the military regime.

What was the significance of the Faculty of Exact Sciences at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) during this time?

The Faculty of Exact Sciences at UBA was an important site of intellectual and scientific development. Despite the repression, many prominent faculty members from this faculty were committed to advancing scientific research and education in Argentina.

How did the military regime respond to academic resistance?

The military regime responded to academic resistance with violence, including physical assault, detentions, and the suppression of academic freedom. Police interventions and military control were enforced in universities.

What did the interviewees in the script think about the decision to resign as a form of protest?

The interviewees expressed mixed views about resigning. Some believed that resigning was a necessary act of protest against the military regime's interference, while others felt that it symbolized a form of defeat or surrender.

What was the broader societal response to the coup in Argentina?

The broader societal response was complex. While many people supported the military junta, believing it would restore order, intellectuals and the student movement largely resisted. This division reflected deeper political tensions in Argentina at the time.

How did the military junta's repression affect academic freedom in Argentina?

The military junta's repression led to a dramatic curtailing of academic freedom in Argentina. Universities became sites of control and surveillance, and many scholars were forced into exile or faced persecution for their political beliefs.

What is the significance of the generational shift in Argentine academia mentioned in the script?

The generational shift in Argentine academia is significant because it marked a turning point. Older academics who resisted the military regime were replaced by younger generations who adapted to the new realities. This shift had long-term implications for the intellectual and political direction of Argentine universities.

How does the script highlight the ongoing legacy of the 1966 coup on the academic community in Argentina?

The script emphasizes the lasting impact of the 1966 coup on the academic community, noting that despite the military regime's attempts to suppress intellectual activity, the resistance of academics and students ultimately contributed to the eventual restoration of democracy and the resilience of intellectual freedom.