Luring neutrals. Allied and German propaganda in Argentina during the First World War

Abstract

During the Great War, the Argentine government adopted a policy of neutrality. The country´s position in the international market as one of the main exporters of grain arose the interest of the Allies and the Central Powers in obtaining the support of the government and society for their cause. Accordingly, both belligerent sides developed strategies of seduction of Argentinian public opinion, which was polarized around the conflict, especially since 1917, as a result of the effects of the submarine war. This article aims to analyse the Allied and German propaganda in Argentina during the entire conflict, considering as primary sources newspapers, books, pamphlets and slogans. It will pay attention to the propaganda contents and their connections with different local neutralist or pro-Allied associations, in order to consider their respective impact on Argentinian society.