Latin America: Revolution Latin America: Revolution and Reaction into the 21and Reaction into the 21stst

CenturyCentury

C33C33EQs: Why was Latin America EQs: Why was Latin America

so unstable in the 20so unstable in the 20thth C? Why C? Why did the US intervene so did the US intervene so

much?much?

IntroductionIntroduction Latin America in the 20Latin America in the 20thth century experienced century experienced

many revolutions and many reactions to many revolutions and many reactions to revolutionsrevolutions

As the 20As the 20thth century closed, Latin America has century closed, Latin America has positioned itself between Western nations and positioned itself between Western nations and third world nations, thanks in part to heavy third world nations, thanks in part to heavy western investmentwestern investment

Still, political and social injustice dating back to Still, political and social injustice dating back to colonial and post colonial days remain, as do colonial and post colonial days remain, as do issues of economic security, surging population issues of economic security, surging population growth in urban areas and emigration to the USgrowth in urban areas and emigration to the US

It terms of economics and politics, very little It terms of economics and politics, very little change has occurred, however, education, social change has occurred, however, education, social services, women’s rights and the role of industryservices, women’s rights and the role of industry

After World War II…After World War II… Latin America saw very little action Latin America saw very little action

during the war…but economies grew…during the war…but economies grew…Brazil developed a steel industry with Brazil developed a steel industry with the help of the USthe help of the US

New political upheavals emerged in New political upheavals emerged in several nations, Argentina being a key several nations, Argentina being a key example as a military group forced Juan example as a military group forced Juan Peron out of power, and led several Peron out of power, and led several “dirty wars” to purge the country of its “dirty wars” to purge the country of its opponentsopponents

Mexico continued to be controlled by the Mexico continued to be controlled by the PRI (Party of the Institutionalized PRI (Party of the Institutionalized Revolution), however, the party very Revolution), however, the party very slowly continued the promised reforms slowly continued the promised reforms of the Mexican Revolution…this angered of the Mexican Revolution…this angered many amongst the lower classes who many amongst the lower classes who were still waiting for the land (were still waiting for the land (ejidosejidos))

Guerrilla movements formed, mainly in Guerrilla movements formed, mainly in southern Mexico…a group known as the southern Mexico…a group known as the Zapatistas responded to PRI corruption Zapatistas responded to PRI corruption with revolts, that were often met with with revolts, that were often met with civil repression from the PRI governmentcivil repression from the PRI government

By the end of the 20By the end of the 20thth century, the century, the negotiation of NAFTA with the US and negotiation of NAFTA with the US and the ultimate defeat of the PRI by the the ultimate defeat of the PRI by the PAN (Conservative Party) brought new PAN (Conservative Party) brought new change to Mexico, the results of which change to Mexico, the results of which are not completely clearare not completely clear

Radical Options in the 1950sRadical Options in the 1950s Political unrest still plagued most of Latin Political unrest still plagued most of Latin

America post-WWII…in several countries, America post-WWII…in several countries, Marxist revolution became the normMarxist revolution became the norm

In Bolivia, a socialist rebellion rose against the In Bolivia, a socialist rebellion rose against the 6% of the population that controlled all the 6% of the population that controlled all the wealth in the nation…though successful with wealth in the nation…though successful with nationalization policies, Bolivia fell back into nationalization policies, Bolivia fell back into control by a military caudillo by 1964control by a military caudillo by 1964

Guatemala experienced more radical attempts Guatemala experienced more radical attempts at reform…the majority of the population was at reform…the majority of the population was poor, illiterate, had no land and the overall poor, illiterate, had no land and the overall economy was based on the coffee and banana economy was based on the coffee and banana marketmarket

In 1944, Juan Jose Arevalo was elected due to In 1944, Juan Jose Arevalo was elected due to promises of sweeping reforms (income tax and promises of sweeping reforms (income tax and business nationalism)…these were in conflict business nationalism)…these were in conflict with the powerful United Fruit Co…another free with the powerful United Fruit Co…another free election in 1951 saw the rise of General Jacobo election in 1951 saw the rise of General Jacobo Arbenz to power…more radical, Arbenz opposed Arbenz to power…more radical, Arbenz opposed further foreign intervention in Guatemalan further foreign intervention in Guatemalan affairs…Arbenz took a pro-socialist approach, affairs…Arbenz took a pro-socialist approach, attempting to redistribute unused land to attempting to redistribute unused land to peasants…fears of Communism led to the US peasants…fears of Communism led to the US backing a military coup in 1954… the backing a military coup in 1954… the government was replaced with a caudillo, government was replaced with a caudillo, Arbenz was strangled for the good of democracy Arbenz was strangled for the good of democracy and capitalism, and land reforms were haltedand capitalism, and land reforms were halted

Sadly, the regime established by the US would Sadly, the regime established by the US would become oppressive, leading to a long civil war in become oppressive, leading to a long civil war in Guatemala that led to the massacres of many Guatemala that led to the massacres of many Mayan natives and peasantsMayan natives and peasants

Viva Cuba!!!Viva Cuba!!! Cuba became the US’ own private sugar Cuba became the US’ own private sugar

plantation after it was secured from the plantation after it was secured from the Spanish in 1898…as a result, a growing Spanish in 1898…as a result, a growing disparity emerged between rural laborers disparity emerged between rural laborers and the large middle class and wealthy and the large middle class and wealthy landowners who benefited from direct landowners who benefited from direct trade with/investment from the UStrade with/investment from the US

Fulgencio Batista rose to power on Fulgencio Batista rose to power on promises of reforms, political, economic promises of reforms, political, economic and social in nature, however, was as and social in nature, however, was as corrupt a leader as they come, lining his corrupt a leader as they come, lining his pockets with bribes from US businessmenpockets with bribes from US businessmen

The alternative was a young lawyer named The alternative was a young lawyer named Fidel Castro who led an unsuccessful Fidel Castro who led an unsuccessful revolution in 1953…he left Cuba and joined revolution in 1953…he left Cuba and joined forces with Che Guevara in Mexico, and, forces with Che Guevara in Mexico, and, with a small military force, returned to with a small military force, returned to Cuba in 1956 to being a revolution which Cuba in 1956 to being a revolution which promised better living conditions to the promised better living conditions to the rural poor, better pay and working rural poor, better pay and working conditions to the proletariat (middle class conditions to the proletariat (middle class workers)…whether or not Castro’s original workers)…whether or not Castro’s original intentions were Marxist in nature has intentions were Marxist in nature has never been clarified…the US had never been clarified…the US had abandoned the corrupt Batista by 1958abandoned the corrupt Batista by 1958

Viva Cuba!!!Viva Cuba!!! What resulted was Castro’s What resulted was Castro’s

immediate nationalization of Cuban immediate nationalization of Cuban interests, a break from relations interests, a break from relations with the US and an increase of with the US and an increase of support from the Soviet Union…the support from the Soviet Union…the US responded with the failed Bay of US responded with the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 and the brink Pigs invasion in 1961 and the brink of nuclear war was almost reached of nuclear war was almost reached with the Cuban missile crisis of with the Cuban missile crisis of 19621962

None-the-less, Cuba prospered None-the-less, Cuba prospered somewhat under the Castro regime, somewhat under the Castro regime, with improvements in social areas with improvements in social areas but less success economically but less success economically (largely led to a US led embargo)…(largely led to a US led embargo)…the Cuban model was attempted to the Cuban model was attempted to be spread throughout Latin be spread throughout Latin America thereafter, in places like America thereafter, in places like Nicaragua (Sandanistas) and Nicaragua (Sandanistas) and Grenada but failed, mainly due Grenada but failed, mainly due impart again to US interventionsimpart again to US interventions

The only Latin American nations The only Latin American nations lately that have attempted to lately that have attempted to successfully model the Cuban successfully model the Cuban Socialist model, with much dismay Socialist model, with much dismay to the US, are Venezuela and Brazilto the US, are Venezuela and Brazil

Other Reforms and Military OptionsOther Reforms and Military Options Other traditions institutions remained or Other traditions institutions remained or

regained power in politics in the late 20regained power in politics in the late 20thth century…the Catholic Church made a comeback century…the Catholic Church made a comeback starting in the 1950s in Chile and Venezuela as starting in the 1950s in Chile and Venezuela as Christian Democrats were elected on platforms Christian Democrats were elected on platforms promises reforms and an end to social injustice…promises reforms and an end to social injustice…priests even got radical (Father Torres in 1960s priests even got radical (Father Torres in 1960s Colombia)Colombia)

In the 70s, a new movement known as liberation In the 70s, a new movement known as liberation theology emerged…it stressed a combination of theology emerged…it stressed a combination of Catholic social/charitable theology w/Marxist Catholic social/charitable theology w/Marxist socialist ideology…in short, the movement socialist ideology…in short, the movement stressed Jesus and faith in the church as the stressed Jesus and faith in the church as the savior to the people’s issues…response was savior to the people’s issues…response was mixed as the right claimed the movement to be mixed as the right claimed the movement to be too radical (Pope John Paul II even criticized it)…too radical (Pope John Paul II even criticized it)…several clergy were assassinated (Romero in El several clergy were assassinated (Romero in El Salvador)Salvador)

Military dictatorship still reigned supreme, Military dictatorship still reigned supreme, however, in many areas, all thanks, in part, the however, in many areas, all thanks, in part, the US, who saw dictators as a better option in US, who saw dictators as a better option in several nations (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, several nations (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Peru) as a better option to Uruguay, and Peru) as a better option to CommunismCommunism

All dictators placed in power reigned on All dictators placed in power reigned on nationalist principles, however, their economic nationalist principles, however, their economic policies remained pro-West, which stifled the policies remained pro-West, which stifled the working class and the poor…though areas such working class and the poor…though areas such as health and education improved, basic wage as health and education improved, basic wage payments, land ownership and living conditions payments, land ownership and living conditions did notdid not

New Democratic TrendsNew Democratic Trends Democracy began to be filtered Democracy began to be filtered

into LA nations (particularly the into LA nations (particularly the ones with dictatorships) in the 70s ones with dictatorships) in the 70s and 80s, though the path was not and 80s, though the path was not an easy onean easy one

Argentina’s military dictator was Argentina’s military dictator was replaced in 1983 after the military replaced in 1983 after the military lost the Falkland Islands War…lost the Falkland Islands War…Brazil saw elections for a congress Brazil saw elections for a congress in 1985 and a new president in in 1985 and a new president in 1989…Peru faced guerrilla 1989…Peru faced guerrilla resistance from the leftist resistance from the leftist Shining Shining PathPath movement…Nicaragua had to movement…Nicaragua had to deal with the leftist deal with the leftist SandinistaSandinista party in the 80s…Panama called party in the 80s…Panama called on the US to ouster its drug on the US to ouster its drug peddling dictator in 1989 peddling dictator in 1989 (Noriega)…Guatemala’s civil war (Noriega)…Guatemala’s civil war was finally over by the 90s and a was finally over by the 90s and a civilian government was in power civilian government was in power by 1996by 1996

Despite democracy, Despite democracy, leftist/socialist ideology still leftist/socialist ideology still managed to gain power in several managed to gain power in several nations (Brazil w/ Lula and nations (Brazil w/ Lula and Venezuela w/Chavez), only Venezuela w/Chavez), only threatening to alter a Pro-Western threatening to alter a Pro-Western foreign policy (meaning, anti-US)foreign policy (meaning, anti-US)

The US in Latin America: TimelineThe US in Latin America: Timeline The first time the US got directly involved in The first time the US got directly involved in

Latin America was the Mexican War (Texan Latin America was the Mexican War (Texan War of Independence)…we gained great War of Independence)…we gained great portions of territory from that war by 1848.portions of territory from that war by 1848.

The next time we got directly involved in Latin The next time we got directly involved in Latin America was the Spanish American War America was the Spanish American War (1898)…we helped the Cubans fight for (1898)…we helped the Cubans fight for independenceindependence– This event opened the door for Teddy Roosevelt to This event opened the door for Teddy Roosevelt to

introduce his Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe introduce his Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine (“Speak softly and carry a big stick”)Doctrine (“Speak softly and carry a big stick”)

– This policy would open a new wave of investments This policy would open a new wave of investments in Latin America and would establish a clear in Latin America and would establish a clear presence of the United States in the regionpresence of the United States in the region

The US in Latin America: TimelineThe US in Latin America: Timeline 1901- Platt Amendment to Cuba's new constitution gives the U.S. 1901- Platt Amendment to Cuba's new constitution gives the U.S.

the unilateral right to intervene in the island's political affairs. the unilateral right to intervene in the island's political affairs. 1903 - Theodore Roosevelt intervenes to assist Panamanian 1903 - Theodore Roosevelt intervenes to assist Panamanian

independence from Colombia. The resulting Hay-Bunau-Varilla independence from Colombia. The resulting Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty makes the US sovereign "in perpetuity" in the ten-mile wide Treaty makes the US sovereign "in perpetuity" in the ten-mile wide Panama Canal Zone. Panama Canal Zone.

1904 - (Theodore) Roosevelt's Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine 1904 - (Theodore) Roosevelt's Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine declares the U.S. to be the policeman of the Caribbean. US forces declares the U.S. to be the policeman of the Caribbean. US forces place the Dominican Republic under a customs receivership.place the Dominican Republic under a customs receivership.

1905 - US Marines land in Honduras. 1905 - US Marines land in Honduras. 1912 - United Fruit Company begins operations in Honduras and 1912 - United Fruit Company begins operations in Honduras and

later becomes a major force throughout Central America (Banana later becomes a major force throughout Central America (Banana Republics). Republics).

1914 - US forces shell and then occupy Vera Cruz, Mexico. 1914 - US forces shell and then occupy Vera Cruz, Mexico. 1915-1934 - US Marines intervene/occupy Haiti. 1915-1934 - US Marines intervene/occupy Haiti. 1916-1917 - US Expeditionary Force under Gen. John J. "Black Jack" 1916-1917 - US Expeditionary Force under Gen. John J. "Black Jack"

Pershing unsuccessfully pursues Pancho Villa in northern Mexico. Pershing unsuccessfully pursues Pancho Villa in northern Mexico. 1916-1924 - US Marines occupy the Dominican Republic 1916-1924 - US Marines occupy the Dominican Republic

The US in Latin America: TimelineThe US in Latin America: Timeline 1920-1921 - US troops support a coup in Guatemala. 1920-1921 - US troops support a coup in Guatemala. 1926-1933 - US Marines occupy Nicaragua and fight against the 1926-1933 - US Marines occupy Nicaragua and fight against the

nationalistic forces led by Augusto César Sandino. nationalistic forces led by Augusto César Sandino. 1933 - US offers to intervene in El Salvador to put down a peasant 1933 - US offers to intervene in El Salvador to put down a peasant

rebellion. The Salvadoran military dictator refuses, then murders rebellion. The Salvadoran military dictator refuses, then murders thousands of peasants. thousands of peasants.

1936-1979 - US supports three different Somozas as dictators of 1936-1979 - US supports three different Somozas as dictators of Nicaragua. Nicaragua.

1954 - CIA overthrows constitutional government of Jacobo Arbenz 1954 - CIA overthrows constitutional government of Jacobo Arbenz in Guatemala. in Guatemala.

1956 - US-supported dictator Anastasio Somoza assassinated in 1956 - US-supported dictator Anastasio Somoza assassinated in Nicaragua…US military intervenesNicaragua…US military intervenes

1957-1986 - Papa Doc and Baby Doc Duvalier rule Haiti as 1957-1986 - Papa Doc and Baby Doc Duvalier rule Haiti as dictators, with US support. dictators, with US support.

1958 - Vice President Richard Nixon meets strong anti-American 1958 - Vice President Richard Nixon meets strong anti-American sentiment on his "good will" tour of Latin America. sentiment on his "good will" tour of Latin America.

1959 - Dictator Fulgencio Bastista, supported by the US until 1958, 1959 - Dictator Fulgencio Bastista, supported by the US until 1958, flees Castro's revolution in Cuba. flees Castro's revolution in Cuba.

US Latin American PoliciesUS Latin American Policies Taft’s “Dollar Diplomacy”, which led to increased US Taft’s “Dollar Diplomacy”, which led to increased US

investment in Latin American interests (United Fruit Co. investment in Latin American interests (United Fruit Co. and the and the Banana RepublicsBanana Republics) )

Roosevelt’s “Good Neighbor Policy” of 1933, which Roosevelt’s “Good Neighbor Policy” of 1933, which attempted to reduce numerous interventions into LA…it attempted to reduce numerous interventions into LA…it was short lived after WWII with the advent of Communism was short lived after WWII with the advent of Communism and containmentand containment

Kennedy’s “Alliance for Progress” in 1961 aimed to Kennedy’s “Alliance for Progress” in 1961 aimed to redirect investment in LA and reduce LA debt to US redirect investment in LA and reduce LA debt to US companies…it failed as elites mostly benefited AND companies…it failed as elites mostly benefited AND Kennedy was assassinatedKennedy was assassinated

Latter policies in LA were more Latter policies in LA were more lessez faire, lessez faire, leaving LA leaving LA alone and holding friendly relations with established alone and holding friendly relations with established dictatorships…we even gave Panama promised to give dictatorships…we even gave Panama promised to give the canal back to Panama (1978 treaty from Carter, canal the canal back to Panama (1978 treaty from Carter, canal went back on Dec 31, 1999)…while Reagan and Bush Sr. went back on Dec 31, 1999)…while Reagan and Bush Sr. actively replaced counterrevolutionary elements in actively replaced counterrevolutionary elements in several Central American nations in the 80s (Panama, El several Central American nations in the 80s (Panama, El Salvador, Nicaragua)Salvador, Nicaragua)

Social Issues: A SummarySocial Issues: A Summary Social changes in Latin America has Social changes in Latin America has

come slowly during the 20come slowly during the 20thth century, century, despite the active role women played in despite the active role women played in revolutions (Mexico)revolutions (Mexico)

The position of women has improved, The position of women has improved, as their status now rivals those living in as their status now rivals those living in western Europe…Women received western Europe…Women received suffrage in many LA countries in the suffrage in many LA countries in the 1920s and by the 1950s the 1920s and by the 1950s the overwhelming majority of LA nations overwhelming majority of LA nations gave women the right to vote (mainly gave women the right to vote (mainly through suffrage movements similar to through suffrage movements similar to those of the US and Europe)those of the US and Europe)

Eventually, women found roles in Eventually, women found roles in politics and the workforce as well…in politics and the workforce as well…in 1911 80% of the textile industry in 1911 80% of the textile industry in Argentina was women employed…Argentina was women employed…though wages and benefits remained though wages and benefits remained unequal…women are still considered unequal…women are still considered unskilled laborunskilled labor

women by the 90s represented 9% of women by the 90s represented 9% of the legislative bodies of LA…in some the legislative bodies of LA…in some countries, notable women became countries, notable women became leaders (Isabel Peron in Argentina, leaders (Isabel Peron in Argentina, Violeta Chamorro in Nicaragua, Violeta Chamorro in Nicaragua, Benedita da Silva in Brazil)Benedita da Silva in Brazil)

Social Issues: A SummarySocial Issues: A Summary Migration has been the biggest issue in Migration has been the biggest issue in

recent years…both internal and externalrecent years…both internal and external Latin America’s population surged in the Latin America’s population surged in the

2020thth century…usual reasons included the century…usual reasons included the need for more labor sources in poor need for more labor sources in poor families both agricultural and industrialfamilies both agricultural and industrial

Labor drove huge mass migrations of Labor drove huge mass migrations of rural people to the cities first in the 70s rural people to the cities first in the 70s and 80s…while international migration and 80s…while international migration has been generally common place since has been generally common place since the 1920s, as cheap labor migrated the 1920s, as cheap labor migrated across the borders north, from Mexico to across the borders north, from Mexico to the US, Guatemala to Mexico and so onthe US, Guatemala to Mexico and so on

In other nations, political repression In other nations, political repression represented the main reason for represented the main reason for migration of refugees (Cuba, Haiti, migration of refugees (Cuba, Haiti, Guatemala, El Salvador) into Mexico or Guatemala, El Salvador) into Mexico or the USthe US

Results have caused negative impacts in Results have caused negative impacts in many nations, the biggest being urban many nations, the biggest being urban poverty…slums and shantytowns spring poverty…slums and shantytowns spring up on the edges of large urban areas up on the edges of large urban areas ((favelas)favelas)…political attempts to relieve …political attempts to relieve this stresses have largely failedthis stresses have largely failed

In the long run, issues in Latin America In the long run, issues in Latin America remain, as social injustices, political remain, as social injustices, political repression, inequalities and population repression, inequalities and population growth (less urban) continue into this growth (less urban) continue into this centurycentury

THIS WEEKTHIS WEEK Tuesday: Film on US involvement in Tuesday: Film on US involvement in

Latin AmericaLatin America

Wednesday: Change Analysis on 20Wednesday: Change Analysis on 20thth C Latin AmericaC Latin America

Thursday: THE AP EXAMThursday: THE AP EXAM

Friday: Final Exam Project and SS Friday: Final Exam Project and SS DSTP discussionDSTP discussion