lecture 7c

U.S. Involvement in Central America

  • Overview of U.S. Involvement

    • The U.S. has a history of military and covert operations in Central America.
    • Notable countries involved:
    • Guatemala
    • Nicaragua (largest involvement)
    • El Salvador (less involvement)
    • Honduras (less involvement)
    • Panama

  • Panama

    • In 1989, U.S. military action led to the overthrow and imprisonment of dictator Manuel Noriega.
    • The U.S. historically involved itself in Panama for the construction of the Panama Canal.
    • The U.S. persuaded Panamanians to revolt against Colombian rule, enabling the canal's construction.
    • The Canal Zone was under U.S. control for a significant period.

Focus on Guatemala

  • Geographic Overview

    • Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, featuring extensive highlands.
    • About half of the population is indigenous, primarily Mayan, residing in highland areas near Guatemala City and in regions like Sierra De Los Minas and Sierra Cucha Montanes.

  • Demographics and Culture

    • Indigenous population predominantly speaks native Maya languages rather than Spanish, although many are bilingual.
    • Regions like Antigua are recognized for coffee production and tourism.
    • Scenic landscapes characterized by volcanoes and highlands, though areas can be dangerous due to highway robbery and poverty.

  • Agriculture

    • Highlands are productive for various crops, particularly coffee, citrus fruits, and rice (domestically consumed).
    • Substantial dangers from volcanic eruptions affect villages, necessitating evacuations.

  • Major Sites

    • Lake Atitlan is notable for its scenic beauty surrounded by volcanic peaks.
    • Antigua is a historic colonial city near significant volcanoes.
    • Motagua Lowlands are known for banana production, contributing to exports.

  • Economy

    • Coffee remains the most valuable export, with bananas at about 6% of export value.
    • Guatemala leads Central America in coffee production, albeit behind Brazil and Colombia globally.

Piten Region and Maya Ruins

  • Piten Region
    • Located in the northern part of Guatemala, sparsely populated and rich in Maya archaeological sites.
    • Characterized by limestone terrain similar to the Yucatan Peninsula.
    • Home to many Mayan ruins set within a rainforest environment; includes cattle ranching.

Overview of El Salvador

  • Geographic and Demographic Context

    • El Salvador is smaller yet densely populated compared to its neighbors.
    • Major migration contributor to the U.S., with a greater proportion of Salvadorans migrating than Guatemalans or Hondurans.

  • Economy

    • Dominated by coffee cultivation; banana-growing is minimal.
    • Historically, the economy was controlled by 14 families, leading to social unrest and civil war during the 1980s.

  • Cattle Ranching

    • Cattle ranching is prevalent in El Salvador, part of a larger trend throughout Latin America.

  • Social Issues

    • Economic control by a few led to poverty and eventual revolt.
    • Issues of government corruption and gang-related violence are major concerns presently affecting social stability.

  • Infrastructure and Economy

    • San Salvador, the capital located in the highlands, faces natural hazards such as earthquakes and volcanoes.
    • Textile manufacturing has emerged in recent decades, albeit criticized for low wages and poor working conditions but providing some industrial employment.
    • Remittances from Salvadorans abroad are crucial for the economy, relieving dependence on traditional agricultural exports.
    • El Salvador's economy is less reliant on agriculture compared to Guatemala due to greater industrial diversification.