Latin America Builds Democracy By Cindy Cheung Erin Portway Emily Park Jada Smith

Things heat up in latin america In many countries across latin America the military took power of the government claiming that the countries were out of order They suppressed peoples rights, closed down universities, and killed and imprisoned thousands using “death squads” Many people spoke out against government and called for revolution much like Fidel castro in cuba

The u.s. gets involved A large part of the discomfort in Latin America was the presence of the united states America dominated the organization of American states (oas) a group formed to promote democracy and human rights The united states felt a need to protect democracy and free markets The U.s. also intervened militarily on many occasion to defend its democratic views and influence other countries to do the same

War in south america The u.s. also wanted to try to Manage the war on drugs in Latin America In 1980 the u.s. declared an official “war on drugs” As a result they sent forces to invade Panama and arrest the current president manuel Noriega and tried him for drug trafficking The u.s also attempted to stop the flow of drugs from other Latin countries but failed due to organized crime Many other countries at the time became involved in civil wars Guatemala fought a series of civil wars from 1960-1990 and killed many native Americans In El Salvador had its own civil war until a peace agreement was finally reached in 1991

Democracy for all ~During the 1990s mounting pressure from other countries influenced many countries to restore democracy ~countries such as Argentina, brazil, Chile and many others held free elections at this time ~In Mexico the industrial revolution party or pri for short ruled supreme in government and was extremely corrupt ~Despite the party's attempts to reform they eventually fell when Vicente fox was elected president in 2000

The long road to democracy Juan Peron was Argentina's president from 1946-1955 He was greatly loved by the working class He terminated his competition and suppressed opposition Many people fled from the country as a result After Peron's death in 1974 the country was plunged into turmoil The military took control again in 1976 and participated IN “DIRTY WAR” TORTURING, KILLING, AND KIDNAPPING THOUSANDS many women became the mothers of the plaza de mayo and marched silently to Argentina's capital in protest However after much war and civil unrest the country finally turned back to democracy in 2003

Current event!!!!! Venezuela is considered an important country in south America Recently Hugo Chavez the current president has recently passed away after nine years of being in power his current successor Nicolas Maduro is not as popular with the people as the former president was He lacks skills and legitimacy His forces have killed upwards of 15 people since he came into power Many upper and middle class protesters rebelled against him recently

End of the latin-American dictatorship is nigh http://www.newrepublic.com/article/116918/venezuelas-protests-age-latin- American-dictator-over end of the latin-American dictatorship is nigh march 11, 2014 by Enrique krauze