+ Latin America’s Hard Movement to Democracy Section 21.4
+ Economic Problems Reliance on one cash crop to earn money IMPORT SUBSTITUTION – manufacturing goods locally to replace imports AGRIBUSINESS – giant commercial farms owned by multinational corporations Uneven distribution of wealth Poverty!
+ Solutions Catholic Church is still a huge force in Latin America LIBERATION THEOLOGY - urged the church to become a force for reform ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES (OAS) – group formed in 1948 to promote democracy, economic cooperation, and peace in the Americas United States dominance
+ Dictators, Democracy, and Drugs…Oh My! Chile First Socialist President – Salvador Allende (voted into office) Leader of the military junta - Augusto Pinochet Was appointed army commander in chief by Allende 18 days before the coup he led Goals of Pinochet Exterminate leftism in Chile Reassert free-market policies Did result in lower inflation and an economic boom from 1976 to 1979 Stepped down in 1998 and was made senator-for-life OPERATION CONDOR – several South American military gov’t coordinated their efforts to systematically eliminate opponents in the 1970s and 1980s
+ More Dictators Argentina Used to be the most prosperous country in Latin America (pre- 1930) Juan Peron ( ) Support from the workers: increased economy, boosted wages, and backed labor unions Also suppressed opposition Ousted in 1955 by a military coup Reelected in – The Disappeared
+ The War on Drugs 1980s - Illegal drug use grew in the United States US tried to stop illegal drugs from being smuggled into the country from Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and other South American countries Pressed Latin American gov’t to destroy crops and combat drug cartels Backfire Critics said it was US’s fault Led to the assassination of public officials Militarization of the drug cartels
+ Latin America Today All nations are democratic today but the problem of poverty is still rampant in most countries in South and Central America h/LA/LA01-01.html