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

2. Argentina

3. 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)

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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)

8. Brazil

9. 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

10. 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)

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

12. Fernando Henrique Cardoso
Brazilian President from
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

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

14. Mexico
(Mexico’s History 20:39)

15. 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

16. Vicente Fox Worked his way up in the Coca Cola Corporation
Elected to Congress in 1988
Former Mexican President ( )
Supports capitalism
“Down-to-earth man of the people”
(PRI & Vicente Fox 1:31)

17. 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
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.

18. 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)

19. Venezuela

20. 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