IB History Paper 2 - Evolution and development of democratic states (1848 - 2000) (The Americas: Argentina)

Key terms for Evolution and development of democratic states (1848 - 2000) for the IB History course

The Dirty War (1976 - 1983)

Campaign to remove left-wing guerillas and its supporters which resulted in the murder or disappearance of 20,000 Argentinians.

Demand for Democracy: The Falkland War (1982)

• Humiliation produced discontent with military rule

• Internal conflict between armed forces - navy and air force withdraw from junta

• Newly appointed president Reynaldo Bignone recognizes the need to transfer power, effectively ending military rule.

Demand for Democracy: Economic Crisis

• Crisis forced 35% of industrial workers out of their jobs.

• Protests motivated by the worsening economic crisis demanded a change to democratic rule during 1981 to 1983.

Demand for Democracy: The Dirty War (1976 - 1983)

• Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo protests attracted international attention which weakened the military rule’s image abroad.

• Growing international scrutiny due to human rights abuses claims.

Economic Policy/Reform: The Austral Plan (1985)

A program that introduced a new currency, the Austral, and froze prices. By doing this, the government hoped people would stop exchanging their currency for US Dollars, therefore, preventing money from leaving the country.

Policy Impact: The Austral Plan (1985)

• Ineffective - The currency rapidly lost value; by 1989 the exchange rate was $1 to 175 australs

• Inflation increased to 150% and an annual monthly rate of 5000% by 1989

Olivos Pact (1993)

Signed between Alfonsin and Menem, a set of reforms to the constitution, notably the possibility of presidential re-election.

Economic Policy/Reform: July Decrees (1990)

A series of laws opened Argentina to imports and cut subsidies and protection for domestic companies.

Policy Impact: July Decrees (1990)

• The laws pushed the nation into recession.

• Hyperinflation had not been tackled.

Economic Policy/Reform: The Convertibility Plan (April 1991)

The New Peso, was introduced as a new currency in March. The plan was a measure to prevent the president from freely altering the currency by modifying the exchange rate or printing money to pay debts.

Policy Impact: The Convertibility Plan (April 1991)

• The plan and changes were officialized through legislation, giving the scheme some credibility and earned support from political classes.

• Policies of privatization created huge unemployment, especially amongst government employees and contractors.