Latin American Studies Terms

These flashcards cover key terms related to Latin American studies, including influential figures, economic concepts, and historical events.

José Martí

A Cuban writer and freedom fighter who wanted independence from Spain.

Rigoberta Menchú

A Guatemalan Indigenous woman and Nobel Peace Prize winner who fought for human rights.

Neoliberalism

An idea that supports free markets, less government, and more private business.

Maquiladoras

Foreign-run factories in Mexico that make cheap goods for export.

Operation Success

A secret U.S. mission in 1954 to overthrow Guatemala's president and stop communism.

Liberation Theology

A belief that the church should fight for justice and help the poor.

School of the Americas

A U.S. military school that trained Latin American soldiers, some linked to abuse.

Oscar Romero

A Salvadoran archbishop who spoke out against injustice and was assassinated.

UN Truth Commission (El Salvador)

A group that investigated war crimes during El Salvador’s civil war.

United Fruit Company

A U.S. company that controlled banana trade and influenced Latin American politics.

NAFTA

A trade deal between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada to remove taxes on goods.

Cold War

A long conflict between the U.S. and the Soviet Union without direct fighting.