Latin American Dictators Lesson #6

Reminder… Spain (and other European countries) were defeated by rebels Led by Creoles In 1800s We (in USA) totally supported these wars of independence But, we hoped for democracies Instead…

Dictatorships.. Why?... You ask?...

The newly independent Latin American countries Creoles led the rebellion against European colonial control The fighting was done by the “everyone else” poor Creoles remained in power The “everyone else” remained poor

The Colonial Class System Peninsulares—governors sent by the king to rule the colonies Creoles—European settlers who moved to the colonies to live Mestizos—Natives of mixed European & Indian blood Mulattos—Natives of mixed European & African blood The Creoles played the largest role: they were wealthy, well-educated in the Enlightenment but did not have a say in the government (controlled by peninsulares) Black Slaves Native Americans

Who led the revolutions in Latin America? Peninsulares Creoles Why did the Creoles lead the Latin American wars for independence? Mestizos Mulattos The Creoles played the largest role because they were wealthy, well-educated in the Enlightenment but they were controlled by the Peninsulares Black Slaves Native Americans

Common Problems Latin Americans created democratic republics in their newly independent nations, just like the USA & France But, because Latin Americans were not given the chance to vote or hold office when they were colonized, they did not know how to rule themselves well

These caudillos wanted power, not improvements for the citizens Common Problems These caudillos wanted power, not improvements for the citizens They often turned to a Creole who promised a better life. They were called caudillos. A caudillo was elected be a president but, always ruled as a dictator. After independence, there was little change for common people; creoles & caudillos took power from the peninsulares but did not help the lower class native people

General Lopez de Santa Anna One of Mexico’s first Caudillos Helped Mexico win independence from Spain Texas, filled with Americans, wanted independence from Mexican control. Texans declared independence, then were attacked by Santa Anna. They retreated to The Alamo, where all 189 were slaughtered. (1836) Texas would never forget

So… Latin American in the early 1900s…

In the 1800s and 1900s… In the newly independent Latin American nations: Were still ruled by the creoles who lived VERY well

In the 1880s and 1900s… In the newly independent Latin American nations Were still ruled by the creoles But most people were dirt poor

In the 1880s and 1900s… In the newly independent Latin American nations Were still ruled by the creoles Most people were dirt poor And sometimes… The rich and the poor lived side by side…

What happened? Some got desperate…

What happened? Some got desperate… And chose any leader who said they would help…

Reason for dictatorships Dictators were popular because they promised power and money for the lowest classes Once in power, they usually ignored most of those promises Eventually, they would be overthrown for a new dictator, promising reform

Reason for dictatorships Spanish had structured colonies with clear hierarchy Once the Spanish control was gone, the highest ranks expected all power and money The lower “ranks” wanted some power and money The struggle continues today

… and now… your job… On your cell phone… google each of these guys, and… Name the nation Give the years of dictatorship Tell about something they did, either positive or negative

Augusto Pinochet

Fidel Castro

Hugo Chavez

José Daniel Ortega

Manuel Antonio Noriega Also, tell why he’s in jail

Juan Peron

Eva Peron

For each slide: Name the nation Give the years of dictatorship Tell about something they did, either positive or negative

Answers…

Augusto Pinochet Dictator of Chile 1973-1990 Killed thousands Tortured tens of thousands 300 criminal charges (at time of death in 2006) human rights violations tax evasion embezzlement corruptly amassed a wealth of $28 million

Fidel Castro Cuba 1959-2011 Human Rights abuses state control of press suppression of internal dissent

Hugo Chavez Venezuela 1999-2013 Amassed wealth Gave family members jobs VERY anti-American

José Daniel Ortega Nicaragua 1985-1990 2007-present Land reform Literacy program Poor relationship with USA, since he supported, and supported by socialists

Manuel Antonio Noriega Panama 1983-1989 Found guilty of drug trafficking Racketeering Money laundering (in April 1992) US jail until 2007, then France, now Panama

Juan Peron Argentina 1944-1954 Programs for the poor Also – human rights violations

Latin America today Most South American countries' governments were overthrown by the military. Under these repressive regimes, citizens enjoyed few if any civil liberties. Beginning in the mid-1980's democratic civilian governments had returned to power in a few countries. By the mid-1990's all were governed by elected rulers. Most South American countries now have universal adult suffrage and real democracy.

Central America today Most Central American countries' governments are struggling. Drug trafficking is a HUGE business. Governments must spend millions fighting the drug cartels, while as much as 75% of the nation is too poor to pay any taxes at all. Most governments have high ranking officials connected to drug cartels. Belize is an English speaking gem, as Costa Rica is huge on Eco-tourism.

New Activity On yellow sticky tab… Write something you know about Latin America Fill out as many as you can Place them on the white board Then, categorize…