Latin America BSR6
Post WWII Many countries were ruled by authoritarians. Decades after Perón’s exit from office spawned the “dirty war” in Argentina. Getulio Vargas Of Brazil Juan Perón Of Argentina War between Argentina and Britain broke out in 1982, for control of Falkland Islands From the 1940s to 2000, Mexico was controlled by the PRI. This changed due to the lack of change in their society. In 1994 Zapatistas was created to address social issues. 1990s Mexico joined NAFTA, and its economy grew PRI ended with the presidency going to Vicente Fox of the National Action party.
The Radical 50s Most civilians desired improvements in political, social and economical conditions. Mexico wanted a stronger economy. Venezuela and Costa Rica wanted a democracy. In some countries Marxism was their guide. Guatemala underwent the worst problems of the region, suffering from illiteracy, poor healthcare, high death rates. Land was unequally distributed and economy depended on main exports. Juan Jose Arevalo 1944 elected president began land reforms and improved rights of workers. Colonel Jacobo Arbenz Elected president in 1951, he would later try to industrialize Guatemala. In fear of communism spread and pressure from UFC, the US began restrictions on Guatemala. 1954, CIA invaded Guatemala thus ending the Arbenz government.
Cuban Revolution In the urban sector, Cuba was stronger in economy and politics. 1950, 3/4 th of Cuba’s imports came from US. Fulgencio Bastista Authoritarian reformer that pushed for a democratic constitution of 1940 promising full employment and land reform. Criticized the Bastista government. June 26, 1953, he began armed conflict on the government. July 26, 1953, he formed a movement bent on overthrowing their dictator. Castro began Marxist- Leninist ideas, and caused the breaking of US relations. After breaking from US the nation relied on USSR. Fidel Castro With the ally in the East, Cuba was able to push back US hostility marked the beginning of the Cuban Missile Crisis, adding to the issues of the cold war.
The Search for Reform and the Military Option Some countries responded to issues much like the Mexican response for political stability. Others, like Chile or Venezuela, relied on the church for guidance Latin American countries, like Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Panama, underwent democratic changes to their government. Cuba remained communist, but underwent fewer restrictions.
US & LA Post-WWI, the US emerged as a superpower. US companies and loans from the government in South America were key to American influence. Military interventions were key to protecting US connection to LA. Augusto Sandino Nicaraguan that led a resistance against US occupation. Along with involvement in the Cuban-Spanish-American wars, the Panama Canal managed to place the US as an American superpower. Banana Republics, often ruled by dictators, created an economic alliance between LA countries and US. 1937, FDR promised to deal with issues fairly in LA. Helping to prevent some communism in Americas. Jimmy Carter would give Panamanians control of their Canal. Increasing violence throughout CA led to the US’s toppling of Panama’s government. With increasing drug trade, immigration, political instability, and terrorism meant that LA would receive large amounts of military aid. These issues caused LA migration into US, and by 2004, 40 million Hispanics would inhabit the US. Good Neighbor policy
Societies in Search of Change Post-WWI, women continued to be denied equality, the right to vote and the right to take office. Women formed clubs to prevent from being denied equality. Organizations, suffrage movements, and international pressure pushed for slight equality. Victoria Ocampo Suppressed from politics by Peron of Argentina. Mid-1990s women positions were closer to that of western Europe and North America.