Government and Economics Chapter 8 Section 2 Government and Economics

2.1 Comparing Governments Independence broke out in South American countries during the 1800s However, real power remained with the wealthy families Argentina, Peru, and Chile provide examples of challenges governments struggle to overcome Argentina: Independence gained in 1816 1850s adopted new constitution – economically strong, until 1920s Military coup took over in 1930 Another coup in 1943 – Colonel Peron gained support 1946 Peron elected President Raised wages and established social and economic programs Peron overthrown in 1950s Since 1980s, Argentina has democratically elected presidents and their government is stable and one of the strongest in South America

Peru: Chile: Gained independence in 1821 Independence in 1818 Shifted between democratic elections and military rule Mostly representative democracy Government overthrown by military in 1973 Wealthy land owners favored over ordinary citizens General Pinochet acted as dictator for 2 decades and was ruthless and cruel Social and economic progress difficult with political instability First Quechua president, Alejandro Toledo, elected in 2001 and much support from Quechua and Peru’s poor population Returned to democracy in 1990 First female president, Michelle Bachelet Jeria, elected in 2006 Her father was killed during Pinochet’s rule and her and her mother were imprisoned and exiled She has expanded social reforms and created new employment opportunities

2.2 The Pampas Economy An Agricultural Heart Pampas are the grazing ground for cattle Large plains stretch across central Argentina from Atlantic to Andes mountains Cover 295,000 square miles During 1800s, Spanish imported horses and cattle Spanish and mestizo cowboys, called gauchos, herded cattle and sheep on the Pampas Cattle grazing take place in the dry zone, or the Dry Pampas, located in the west The Wet Pampas, in the east, are humid and average 40 inches of rain fall a year

Cattle and agriculture contribute to the region’s economic prosperity Soybeans, type of bean grown for food and industrial products, became profitable in the 1980s Grow quickly and do not need much fertilizer, a substance added to soil to enrich it Low production costs and high prices in global markets make soybeans a valuable crop in Argentina

2.3 Chile’s Food Production Mediterranean Climates Chile is a long narrow country that stretches more than 2,600 miles north and south Central Chile has a temperate, or mild, climate to support agriculture Mainly along southern Europe and northern Africa, southern Australia, central California and central Chile Hot, dry summer and mild, rainy winters Based on latitude lines, or the distance from the equator north or south in degrees Generally between 30 S – 40 S or 30 N to 40 S Mediterranean climates lie on western coasts and have similar precipitation patterns 2.3 Chile’s Food Production

Chile’s Agricultural Bounty Location on west coast allows farmers in central Chile to grow rich mixes of crops Grapes, peaches, and apples grown for export Grapes and olives lead to a thriving wine industry when a variety of grapes are grown Exporter of olives and olive oils Chilean wine and olive oil exports increased in 1990s and early 2000s Copper remains most valuable export Growth of agricultural exports since 1980s helps Chile diversify, or vary, its economy Diverse economies depend on multiple industries and tend to be stronger and more competitive

High Mountain Agriculture Agriculture and mining are key industries in Peru Andes Mountains in Peru have high peaks and low valleys Valleys are fertile but not suitable for agriculture Erratic, or inconsistent, rainfall and rugged terrain makes large scale farming difficult Potatoes, wheat, corn, vegetables, and quinoa grow well Cash crops include sugarcane, wheat, coffee, and asparagus Cattle and alpaca ranching are also economic activities in Peru, but mining is the most profitable 2.4 Products of Peru

2.4 Products of Peru Peru’s Mining Economy Leading exporter of metals such as silver, zinc, lead, copper and gold Copper is used for wires, lead is used for car batteries, gold is used for jewelries and electronics Minerals and metals make up two- thirds of Peru’s export revenue, or earned money from exports New government policies on mine ownership, which began in early 1990s, began private ownership of mines Allowed improvements and upgrades which led to growth of mining and becoming more profitable, or financially successful An upward trend in world prices for metals and minerals helps Peru’s export revenue 2.4 Products of Peru