Latin America—Bolivar

• After World War II, Britain, France, and Holland could no longer keep their colonies and adopted colonial liberalization policies, trying to retain colonies under new names like Commonwealth or French Union to protect trade interests.

• This policy was applied in Latin America, Arab world, Egypt, Africa, and Vietnam in South East Asia.

• Latin America consists of 20 republics: 1 in Central America, 3 in Caribbean, and 16 in South America.

• Spain and Portugal had many colonies in Latin America, while the Dutch, French, and English had limited shares.

• Latin America is rich in copper, tin, gold, silver, nitrates, and the Pampas grasslands support cattle, sheep, and goats.

• By 1600, important cities like Mexico City, Panama, Lima, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, and Havana were established.

• Spain followed mercantilism and extracted wealth ruthlessly from its colonies; Portugal followed similarly, maintaining repressive control.

• Despite repression, colonial people demanded independence.

• The successful revolutions in North America and France inspired Latin American colonies to fight for independence.

• After the defeat of the Spanish Armada (1588) and Napoleon’s crushing of Spain, revolts erupted as old governors refused to obey new rulers.

• Francisco Da Miranda led Venezuela’s revolt against Spain; though unsuccessful, he ignited the freedom movement.

• Father Hidalgo raised revolt in Mexico; though executed, he inspired the people who later established a republic. He is honored as the “father of the nation” in Mexico.

• Simon Bolivar, from a wealthy Venezuelan family, fought to free Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Bolivia, and North Peru.

• Jose de San Martin led the Argentinean army to victory for Chile’s independence and, with Bolivar’s help, freed nine colonies from Spanish rule.

• Brazil’s ruler of Portugal fled to Brazil during Napoleon’s conquest, elevating Brazil from colony to a state with an independent government.

• When Portugal stabilized, the ruler left his son Don Pedro as regent; in 1822, Brazil declared Don Pedro Emperor.

• Brazil became a republic in 1889 after struggles during Pedro II’s reign (1840–1889).

• The Great European powers were unhappy with Latin American revolts and threatened to intervene to restore Spanish control.

• Britain, benefiting from Latin American markets, wanted the republics to remain independent.

• Many in the USA supported Latin American republics and urged recognition.

• In December 1823, President Monroe Doctrine was announced, warning European states against interference in the Western Hemisphere.

• The Monroe Doctrine was accepted by the USA and Britain and became a key part of American foreign policy.

• Bolivar lamented the slow progress of Latin American republics; villages and towns remained backward due to lack of infrastructure like roads and railways.

• Land in many areas was infertile, keeping people poor.

• Meanwhile, cities developed rapidly with beautiful gardens, grand buildings, improved harbors, and increased trade with Europe.

• Many Europeans from Italy, Germany, and England migrated to Latin American states.

• Governments in more developed countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Chile became relatively strong but were not liberal.

Three Basic Problems before Latin America

• Latin America welcomed the Monroe Doctrine (1823) hoping the USA would act as their guardian, but the USA showed little attention to their problems and priorities.

• This indifference had serious consequences in the 20th century after World War II when global affairs became more constrained.

• Three major problems worsened Latin America’s difficulties:

  • How to control population explosion

  • How to exploit economic resources to improve living standards

  • How to develop a political system and organize administration for people’s welfare

• These problems relate to resources, security, and social justice, critical issues no state could ignore.

• Population growth rates were high: Central America increased by 27 per thousand, South America by 23 per thousand, but resources did not develop as fast, causing unbalanced development.

• Latin American states lacked democratic traditions; the ruler (Caudillo) symbolized authority with power to enforce obedience.

• The concept of an elected President was ineffective as military coups could easily remove them.

• Orderly transfer of power and stable democratic traditions were not established in Latin America.

Industrialization in Latin America and the Rise of Organized Labour Class

• Latin American countries depended on foreign industries for manufactured goods, raising the cost of living.

• During World War, Latin America turned to industrialization using various methods:

  • Brazil invited an American company to build warehouses at Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo and nationalized oil and steel industries.

  • Mexico raised loans for hydro-electric plants and industrial expansion.

  • Peru raised loans for building a cement plant.

  • Chile developed pulp and paper mills.

  • Other countries focused on roads, railways, and telephone lines construction.

• Countries borrowed technical advisors from the USA and collaborated for rapid industrial growth.

• They signed agreements to supply raw materials to neighboring countries.

• Latin America has vast natural resources and a perennial labor supply, essential for industrial development, but only the rich benefited.

• Workers migrated to cities, formed powerful unions, sought political power, demanded higher wages and amenities, and sometimes used force to topple governments.

• The Communist Party in Brazil was the largest in Western countries but aimed to solve issues within America.

• Future totalitarian rulers exploited labor’s political leanings, promising power and reforms.

• Post-war inflation and unemployment affected labor negatively, increasing support for nationalization of industries.

• Agricultural production was raised to control price-rise.

• Awareness of social evils grew, leading to efforts for better education and cultural facilities.