1. Latin American Dictators
Lesson #6

2. 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…

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. So… Latin American in the early 1900s…

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

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

14. 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…

15. What happened?
Some got desperate…

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

17. 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

18. 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

19. … 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

20. Augusto Pinochet

21. Fidel Castro

22. Hugo Chavez

23. José Daniel Ortega

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

25. Juan Peron

26. Eva Peron

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

28. Answers…

29. Augusto Pinochet
Dictator of Chile 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

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

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

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

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

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

35. 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.

36. 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.

37. 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…