History Of Latin America (pt 2)

Chapter 9: Reaction

Cold War

A period of political tension and military rivalry between the Western bloc led by the United States and the Eastern bloc led by the Soviet Union, marked by proxy wars.

Revolutionism

A political ideology that supports radical change or revolution to overthrow existing systems and structures.

Marxism

A political and economic theory proposing that class conflict drives societal change, aiming for a classless society.

Anticommunist Alliance

A coalition of states and organizations opposing communism, primarily engaged in military support and actions against leftist movements in Latin America.

Liberation Theology Movement

A religious movement that emphasizes social justice and the liberation of oppressed people, often interlinking Christian beliefs with Marxist principles.

Dirty War in Argentina

A period of state terrorism in Argentina from 1976 to 1983 where thousands of suspected political dissidents were abducted or killed.

Chilean Road to Socialism

Salvador Allende's approach to socialism which aimed for gradual and democratic reforms rather than armed revolution.

Esquipulas Peace Agreement

A peace plan aimed at resolving civil conflicts in Central America, focusing on free elections and respect for human rights.

FMLN

The Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front, a left-wing coalition of guerrilla groups in El Salvador that fought against the government during the civil war.

Madres de La Plaza

A group of women in Argentina who protested for information about their disappeared children during the military dictatorship.

Iran-Contra Scandal

A political scandal in the United States during the Reagan administration involving the secret sale of arms to Iran to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua.

Oscar Romero

Archbishop of El Salvador who became a vocal critic of the violent repression by the government, ultimately assassinated for his stance.

Alliance for Progress

A program initiated by President Kennedy aimed at improving economic development and governance in Latin America to curb the spread of communism.

School of the Americas

A U.S. military training facility in Georgia known for training Latin American military personnel in counterinsurgency techniques.

San Salvador

The capital of El Salvador, which experienced intense conflict during its civil war involving various leftist and rightist factions.

Central America Civil War

A series of conflicts in Central American nations primarily between revolutionary forces and authoritarian government regimes, influenced by Cold War dynamics.

Peace Accords

Agreements aimed at ending civil strife and establishing a framework for lasting peace, often calling for reforms in governance and human rights protections.

Cuban Revolution

The armed revolt led by Fidel Castro that overthrew the Batista government in Cuba in 1959, establishing a communist state.

Guatemala Military Rule

The series of authoritarian governments in Guatemala following the U.S.-backed coup in 1954, characterized by repression and violence against dissenters.

Military Dictatorships

Authoritarian regimes that utilize military force to control the state, often marked by human rights abuses and suppression of political opposition.

Pro-Soviet Union

Referring to nations or movements that aligned with the Soviet Union's ideology and policies during the Cold War.

Magical Realism

A literary and artistic genre that incorporates fantastical elements into otherwise realistic settings, often used to reflect cultural realities.

Honduras and Nicaragua Conflict

The geopolitical tensions and military interventions by the U.S. government in Nicaragua during the 1980s, supporting anti-Sandinista efforts.

Juan Perón

An Argentine military officer and politician who served as President and whose return to power significantly influenced the political landscape.

Violence by Latin American Armies

Brutal military actions taken against perceived leftists and opponents, involving kidnappings, torture, and killings during the Cold War.