Populism and Cold War in Latin America (1935-1975)

Populist Leaders in Latin America (1935-1975)

Setting up an independent national identity focused on working-class pride and nationalism.

Key populist leaders in Latin America during the mid-20th century

Getúlio Vargas (Brazil), Juan Perón (Argentina), Lázaro Cárdenas (Mexico).

Main goal of Latin American populist leaders

To strengthen national pride, reduce foreign control, and build independent economic and political systems.

Impact of the Cold War on Latin America's political movements

The U.S. intervened heavily to prevent leftist or communist movements from gaining power.

U.S. actions toward Latin American countries during the Cold War

Like a controlling force, backing coups and sabotaging movements that leaned left.

Che Guevara's main message in his 1965 Algiers speech

Latin America should achieve self-reliance without depending on either the U.S. or the Soviet Union.

Philosophy promoted by Che Guevara for revolutionaries

Full independence and self-sufficiency; rejecting dependency on any global power.

Goals of guerrilla movements like FARC, Sandinistas, and Montoneros

Overthrow corrupt regimes and fight imperialist influences in their countries.

Challenges faced by Latin American countries after independence movements

Economic dependency on foreign markets and continued foreign influence.

"What Is to Be Done?" by Lenin

The need for a disciplined, organized revolutionary party (vanguard) to lead change.

Necessary elements for successful revolution according to Lenin's "What Is to Be Done?"

A tightly organized and strategic revolutionary movement, not spontaneous rebellion.

Main argument in Frantz Fanon's "The Wretched of the Earth"

Colonized people must overthrow their oppressors through violence to heal from psychological and societal damage.

Frantz Fanon's view on colonialism's impact on mental health

Colonialism caused internalized oppression, self-hatred, and societal dysfunction among the colonized.

U.S. attitude toward Latin America after WWII

The U.S. viewed Latin America as its 'backyard' and sought to keep it politically and economically subordinate.

Cuba's revolution in 1959

Cuba's success suggested that other Latin American countries could also rebel against U.S. influence.

Domino Theory

The belief that if one country fell to communism, neighboring countries would follow.

U.S. justification for covert interventions

To prevent the spread of communism and maintain regional stability aligned with U.S. interests.

Guatemala in 1954

The CIA supported a coup to overthrow President Jacobo Árbenz, who attempted to redistribute land to peasants.

America's top priority in Latin America during the Cold War

Prevent the spread of communism while maintaining an image of supporting democracy.

Psychological effect of America's covert operations

It fostered distrust, resentment, and inspired revolutionary movements.

Bay of Pigs invasion

A failed U.S.-backed attempt by Cuban exiles to overthrow Fidel Castro in 1961.

Failure of the Bay of Pigs invasion

The U.S. misjudged Cuban public support; instead of rebelling against Castro, Cubans defended him.

Emotional factors driving U.S. Cold War policy

Fear of communism, anger at rebellion, obsession with control, and the need to protect America's global image.

Significance of Che Guevara's revolutionary message

He inspired global movements for self-reliance, independence, and anti-imperialism.

Latin American revolutionary movements' view on global capitalism

As an extension of colonial oppression that needed to be dismantled.

Vanguard party according to Lenin

An organized, professional revolutionary group leading the working class to revolution.

Role of violence in decolonization according to 'The Wretched of the Earth'

Violence is a necessary and cathartic force for overthrowing colonial structures.

Criticism in Che Guevara's Algiers speech

He criticizes the Soviet Union, for failing to truly support third-world revolutions.

Fanon's link between mental health and political liberation

True psychological healing comes only through violent struggle against colonial oppression.

Effect of colonialism on identity of colonized people

Colonialism forces colonized people to internalize inferiority and self-hate.