Latin America Struggles for Democracy Important Leaders Day 2 Latin America Struggles for Democracy Important Leaders (1900-Present Day)

Argentina

Juan Peron Elected Argentine President for three terms Overthrown by the military and forced into exile in 1955 While in office: improved infrastructure, supported workers movement, and paid off foreign debt Wife: Eva Peron “Evita” adored by the Argentine people The Perons crushed any opposition to their rule (Juan Peron & Evits 3:07)

Raul Alfonsin Human Rights lawyer 1983-1989 President of Argentina “Dirty War” occurred during his presidency Economy suffered under his leadership Is credited with restoring Democracy to Argentina

Carlos Menem Born 1930 Juan Peron was his idol Served as governor of La Rioja and Buenos Aires Served as President of Argentina from 1989-1999 Corrupt administration

Nestor Kirchner President of Argentina (2003-2007) Former governor of oil-rich province of Santa Cruz Wife was a popular and influential Senator during his terms Goal: was to improve the economy

Cristina Fernández de Kirchner Born 1953 Influential Senator before becoming President Wife of former President of Argentina Nestor Kirchner First elected female president (2007-Present)

Brazil

Getulio Vargas Dictator of Brazil in the 1930s Suppressed opposition Ruled for 18 years Tried to improve the economy through improved industry Considered the father of the Brazilian poor

Juscelino Kubitschek Brazilian President 1955-1964 Developed Brazilian economy Built new capital-Brasilia (too expensive) Land reforms-broke up large estates and gave land to the peasants (Brasilia 2:13)

Jose Sarney Brazilian President 1985-1990 Lawyer Country had huge debt and high inflation Could not solve economic problems and lost support

Fernando Henrique Cardoso Brazilian President from 1995-2003 Former Senator Some success with economic and political issues that the country was facing Promoted free-market economics Tried to close the gap between the rich and the poor

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva Current Brazilian President Assumed office 2003 Won reelection and will serve until 2011 Social programs top his agenda

Mexico (Mexico’s History 20:39)

Carlos Salinas Mexican President 1988-1994 Youngest President in Mexican history Harvard educated Disgraced politician-economic policies devalued the Peso (currency) by 200% and sent the country into a terrible recession Signed NAFTA Forced into exile for some time

Vicente Fox Worked his way up in the Coca Cola Corporation Elected to Congress in 1988 Former Mexican President (2000-2006) Supports capitalism “Down-to-earth man of the people” http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=109239&title=vicente-fox (PRI & Vicente Fox 1:31)

One-Party Rule in Mexico Mexican Constitution passed in 1917 following the Mexican Revolution. Constitution outline democracy and promised reforms National Revolutionary Party is created by Mexican Presidents who served from 1920-1934 1946-NRP changes its name to the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). Would control Mexican politics for the next 71 years. Although Mexico had a stable government under PRI control, it was not a perfect Democracy. Party members were corrupt and ensured that only PRI members would be elected to office. Beginning in 1988 after decades of protests and uprisings members of other political parties did win seats in Mexico’s Congress. This began a gradual opening of the political system in Mexico. 2000-Center-right candidate Vicente Fox won the Presidency ending PRI rule. Significance-Mexico has finally begun to resemble a true Democratic nation.

Felipe Calderon Became Mexican President after closest election in Mexican history Opposes US’ building of a wall between the US-Mexico border Harvard educated lawyer Promises to continue free-market economic policies Goals: improve poverty & expand healthcare and education Mexican President (2006-Present)

Venezuela

Hugo Chavez Born 1954 In and out of prison for failed political coups Outspoken Socialist leader “President” of Venezuela (1999-Present) Supports universal education and health care Hates the US under the Bush administration-warming up to America under Obama’s administration