Latin America Test Review

Flashcards covering early U.S. involvement, the Spanish-American War, U.S. economic and political control, revolutionary movements, military dictatorships, Cuba-U.S. relations, and Brazil.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

Prevent further European colonialism in the Western Hemisphere and assert U.S. role as protector of Latin American independence

Manifest Destiny

Belief that the U.S. had divine right to expand influenced the U.S. to annex Texas as a state in 1845

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)

Mexico ceded half its territory (CA, AZ, NM, etc.) and the U.S. emerges stronger; Mexico deeply weakened politically and economically.

José Martí

Called for independence from Spain, social and racial equality, and freedom from all foreign interference (incl. the U.S.).

Platt Amendment (1901)

Limits Cuban sovereignty, allows U.S. military intervention, and establishes Guantanamo Bay as a permanent U.S. base.

United Fruit Company

Controlled land, politics, and economies in Guatemala, Honduras, etc.

President Arbenz (1951–1954)

Initiated land reform, threatens UFCo interests, and was overthrown in the U.S. - backed coup.

Iran-Contra Affair (1981–1986)

U.S. sells weapons to Iran (despite embargo), uses profits to fund Contras (despite Congressional ban).

Che Guevara

Unified Latin America, anti-imperialism, and armed revolution

Pinochet regime

Thousands imprisoned, tortured, or executed and imposed neoliberal reforms led by Chicago Boys (privatization).

José Martí

Fought for Cuban independence from Spain and advocated for A raceless Cuba, political and economic justice and End to foreign domination

Brazil Military Dictatorship (1964–1985)

Military regime installed with U.S. backing in Brazil where torture and repression were common.