Latin America in the 20th Century
The World War I Era U.S. replaced Britain as the dominant foreign power in the region Political and economic intervention by the U.S. caused resentment Russian and Mexican revolutions inspired student radicals to resist these trends
The Great Depression Decline in foreign investment and collapse of global export markets devastated L.A.’s economies Both of these new realities encouraged the growth of domestic manufacturing “Good Neighbor” policy of FDR improved relations with the U.S.
World War II Nearly all L.A. nations declared war on the Axis following Pearl Harbor Argentina’s fascist regime delayed its declaration until 1945 L.A. proved an important source of food and raw materials for the Allied war effort
Escuadrón 201: The “Aztec Eagles”
"…it is better to have a strong regime in power than a liberal one if it is indulgent and relaxed and (infiltrated) by communists." George F. Kennan
The Cold War Cuban Revolution of 1959 polarized Latin America Right-wing regimes (Chile, Argentina, Brazil) were supported by the U.S. Left-wing regimes (Nicaragua, El Salvador) were supported by Cuba, Soviet Union Fidel Castro and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev