Latin America Flashcards
What was the Monroe Doctrine?
Declared in 1823 by president Monroe, when he announced that the US would not tolerate intervention in the Western Hemisphere by any European Powers.
Why did Latin America become one of “the hottest battlegrounds of the Cold War”?
Due to Latin Americans’ dissatisfaction with American domination of the Western Hemisphere, justified by the Monroe Doctrine.
Why was it practically impossible for Latin America to trade with anyone other than the US after WWII?
Any countries that could’ve engaged before we’re either destroyed or severely weakened by the war.
What was important about articles 51-54 of the UN Charter?
It gave regional bodies (the US) the right to deal with crises (in Lat Am) without external intervention.
What and when was the Rio Treaty?
1947, signed by all American countries, signifying that an attack against one of them was an attack against all.
Why was the Organisation of American States (OAS) formed?
To settle inter-American disputes.
What was the GDP of Latin America compared to the US in 1950?
One seventh.
Explain the notion of containment? Who is it associated with?
Associated with George Kennan, who said that the US should seek to stop the spread of communism by all means necessary, including through totalitarian regimes.
What was the name of Guatemala’s dictator from 1931-1944?
Jorge Ubico.
Who lead the training camps set up to overthrow Arbenz’ regime in Guatemala?
Castillo Armas
What resolution did the OAS pass in 1954?
That the communist domination of any state in the Western Hemisphere would be a threat to all the others.
When was the Inter-American Development Bank created? What for?
1959, to foster the economic development of the Western Hemisphere. It is mainly funded by the US.
What was the Alliance for Progress? What did it call for?
An American assistance programme for Latin America. It started in 1961 following the Bay of Pigs invasion in an attempted by Kennedy to deter any more Cubas. It called for a increase of 2.5% per capita income, democratic government, more equitable income distribution and land reform.
