Political and Social Developments in Latin America

These flashcards cover significant terms and concepts related to the political and social developments in Latin America, from historical conflicts to the implications of policies and movements.

Political instability

A situation where a government is unable to maintain order and control, often leading to chaos or unrest.

War of political consolidation

Conflict aimed at strengthening and consolidating political power in a specific region.

Cisplatine War (1825-1828)

A war between Argentina and Brazil over the territory of present-day Uruguay.

War of the Triple Alliance (1864-1870)

A major conflict involving Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay against Paraguay.

War of the Pacific (1879-1884)

A conflict where Chile invaded Bolivia and Peru, resulting in Bolivia losing access to the Pacific Ocean.

Civil wars

Internal conflicts typically characterized by struggles between different groups within a country.

Federalists

Political faction representing wealthy landowners favoring a decentralization of power and individualism.

Centralists

A faction favoring a strong central government and traditional structures like landholding and taxes.

Caciquismo

System of political domination through local strongmen known as caciques.

Caudillo

A military or political leader, often with authoritarian rule, emerging in Latin America during the post-independence era.

African diaspora

The dispersion of African peoples and cultures throughout the Americas and beyond.

Middle Passage

The transatlantic journey of enslaved Africans to the New World.

Transatlantic slave trade

The historical trade of enslaved Africans from Africa to the Americas.

Haciendas

Large estates or plantations in Latin America, often utilizing slave labor for agricultural production.

Plantation economy

An economic system centered on the large-scale production of cash crops, heavily reliant on export.

Maroon societies

Communities formed by escaped slaves in remote areas, often establishing their own culture and governance.

Transculturation theory

A concept explaining the merging and blending of different cultures.

Syncretism

The combination of different religious beliefs and practices, resulting in unique cultural expressions.

Monroe Doctrine

A U.S. policy aimed at preventing European intervention in the Americas.

Manifest Destiny

The 19th-century belief that the expansion of the U.S. across the American continents was justified.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalist journalism that exaggerates news to attract readers and manipulate public opinion.

Treaty of Paris (1898)

The agreement that ended the Spanish-American War, transferring territories from Spain to the U.S.

Platt Amendment

A U.S. provision that allowed intervention in Cuban affairs, limiting Cuba's sovereignty.

Roosevelt Corollary

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine asserting U.S. intervention in Latin American nations facing chronic wrongdoing.

Import-substitution industrialization (ISI)

An economic policy promoting domestic production to replace foreign imports.

Liberation Theology

A Christian movement emphasizing social justice and the need for Christians to be advocates for the poor.

Cuban Revolution (1959)

A revolution that led to the overthrow of the Batista government and establishment of a communist state in Cuba.

Dirty War

A period of state terrorism in Argentina involving the kidnapping and disappearance of suspected political opponents.

Alliance for Progress

A U.S. initiative aimed at establishing economic cooperation and development in Latin America.

Bolivia protests (2019)

Popular movements against allegations of electoral fraud during presidential elections.

Che Guevara

A revolutionary figure who played a key role in the Cuban Revolution and later in efforts to inspire global revolutionary movements.

Military Junta (1976-1983)

A military government that ruled Argentina following the coup d'état, characterized by human rights violations.