Latin American attempts at independence in relation to American Interference
By early 1800’s Latin America was mostly free from European powers
Imperial powers were replaced mostly by military dictatorships made up of creoles/caudillos/oligarchies. The mestizos, mulattoes, Africans and indigenous people gained nothing but continued oppression by the lighter skinned minority.
There was an argument between conservative (create monarchies) and liberal (republics). Conservative wanted status quo, Liberals wanted to break down power of Catholic Church (land, education, influence, wealth), protect private land ownership and allow voting. However social reform was mostly avoided by both groups. Were both protecting themselves without helping the vast majority.
Because Latin America had rid their nations of European power, the Europeans looked elsewhere for cheap labor and resources.
Latin American nations were arguing over whether to look to foreign investment or create own industries.
By 1800’s The United States was ready to participate in the global race for empire but a lot was already taken by the Europeans…so where to look?
America tried to show its foreign policy muscle by issuing the Monroe Doctrine 1823
Doctrine was mostly bark since navy was only 25 years old and only had 13 frigates and some gunboats
First step toward US influence over Latin America: The United Fruit Company
By 1880’s UFCO leased 40% of land in Guatemala, Costa Rica and Honduras tax free for 100 years and paid no import taxes
These countries were now called “Banana Republics” because their governments were basically run by Minor and his interests. The US was more than happy to even send troops when political opposition began to discuss land reform. US preferred cooperative dictators. http://home.iprimus.com.au/korob/fdtcards/CentralAmerica.html
neocolonialism Britain and America were highly influential as trading partners of the newly independent nations. They dictated what would be exported (mostly agricultural or mineral resources) and imported finished goods. This led to further exploitation of the labor and land of the native peoples (ex. Wheat in Argentina, Coffee in Brazil) This delayed industrialization for Latin America.
US Involvement gets worse in support of corrupt, violent dictators during the Cold War Guatemala’s Arbenz overthrown with support of CIA and lists of his supporters’ names given to help with arrests.
Earliest major military interference: Manifest Destiny somewhat satisfied with Mexican War 1848 (About ½ of Mexico lost to America)
Other involvement was slow military interference 1891 Chile: Chileans forced to pay the families of killed sailors.
1893 Brazil America sent its navy to protect its shipping interests when a revolution against a US-Friendly politician was gaining success.
1895 Venezuela America reminded Britain of the Monroe Doctrine when they were in a border dispute with Venezuela
With growing confidence US gets more involved Cuba 1895, 1898 First manipulates sugar prices and persuade Cubans to rebel Seize USS Maine for the Spanish American War “Splendid Little War”
Teller Amendment claims that US will not govern gains: Cuba, Puerto Rico but… Cuba: US wrote their constitution, stay for 3 years, dominate economy, support corrupt dictator Puerto Rico: still there!
Puerto Rico: Still there!
1903 Panama Under control of Colombia but US (Teddy Roosevelt) wanted a canal so created a rebellion and then took land for free.
US continued to add legitimacy to its Latin American claims Roosevelt Corollary 1904 US could intervene in economic affairs if LA nations in debt
Wilson Corollary 1913 US should intervene anywhere to promote democracy and self-determination however: "all people might want freedom…whether they could gain and preserve it depended on race.“ Mostly had to do with making sure US oil and other economic interests were served Central America Haiti Mexico
1900-1950 more of the same until…The Cold War America willing to support anyone who appears anti-communist. Trained at the School of the Americas.
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Cuba… …we failed
Caudillo rule Some like Peron in Argentina or Diaz and then Madero in Mexico or Vargas in Brazil did have some liberal ideas of social reform moving into the mid-20th Century however it was to be dictated from the top down and implemented with military backing. Much of this was done to make urban dwellers happy and those who had to live off the land were still horribly exploited and social reforms were ignored for them.
What chance did these nations have after independence? Economically Politically Socially
What is the impact of foreign interference and investment?
Now that Cold War is over, these regions have become more independent politically and democracy is strengthening. Emerging middle class in the cities and the Catholic Church have been the most influential in demanding political and social change. Economically areas are becoming more industrial however the exploitation of agriculture remains.