How did the cold war affect Latin America? Why did the United States get involved?

The US and the Soviet Union were the Worlds two main superpowers. During this time they both
needed allies. Long story short, if you were a communist country the Soviets were your ally. If not, you
went with the US. In relation to Latin America, the US actively intervened with communist countries
there to fight back with the Soviets.

What is the difference between left and right wing? And why is it confusing?
The Left and Right wings are people with opposing political views. Left wingers are known as liberals.
They believe the people should have a bigger say in the government, they also feel that the government
should support the citizens more. Right wingers are known as conservatives. These types of right wing
governments are smaller. This means that a small amount of people make the decisions. Conservatives
disagree with the left wing view on helping citizens.
Neither form of government is better than the other.

Why did the United States get involved in Cuba?

Although Cuba was independent from Spain, the United States controlled a lot of the economy there.
For example, Cuba biggest crop, sugar, was completely controlled by the US. In 1953, Fulgencia Batista
took control of the government. After about 6 years, Fidel Castro took control and overthrew Batista.
Since Castro was a communist, Cuba was now an enemy of the US. He is still leader today although his
brother has control now because of illness.

Whats a Banana Republic?

A banana republic is a country that has little government power and is instead run by a business that
exports the main good. (bananas usually) Guatemala was a country like this in the 20th century. An
American owned fruit company abbreviated UFC mostly ran the main parts of Guatemala. Main parts
like the railroad, and telephone lines. The UFC controlled the government officials.

How did the CIA get involved in Guatemala?

Guatemala suffered from militant dictators until the 1950s. One of the dictators was Jacobo Arbenz
Guzman, who had made land reforms that were communist related. Since the US was anti-communist,
the CIA helped to overthrow him in 1954. This coup was followed by the violent acts of a military Junta,
which only allowed Guatemala to have a democratic government until 1996. Some even blame the US
for starting this situation.

What is the other infamous September 11th?

Salvador Allende, a socialist leader, gained control of Chile in 170. He was overthrown by Augusto
Pinochet on September 11th, 1973 with the help pf the US. This was another infamous date because
under Pinochet, Chiles citizens suffered huge human rights violations. Pinochet lost power in 1990, to a
democratically elected leader and was then charged with human rights violations. But, he died before he
could take responsibility for his actions.

Who were the disappeared in Argentina?

Before the Great Depression, Argentinas economy thrived off of the meat industry. When it finally hit,
the citizens turned to a dictating government. Juan Peron took control. His wife, Eva Peron, grew close
with the poor people who lived in the streets. Looking past the pretty face of the woman, the horrors
were revealed. Peron supported Dirty War which was the killing of over 30,000 people by secret
police. They were taken out of their homes or off the streets without anyone knowing, then killed.
Hence the name disappeared.

Why was it controversial when the United States intervened in Nicaragua?

The Somoza family was in control of Nicaragua until the year 1979. In that year, the Sandinistas revolted
against the government. The Sandinistas were in relations with Cuba and the USSR. These countires
supplied them their weapons. The US supported the Contras, who were fighting against the
communistic Sandinistas.
In 1983, Reagan was told not to support the Contras anymore to prevent further escalation. But the US
kept sending them weapons to Iraq, who then supplied the Contras with them.

What violence occurred in Brazil and El Salvador?

In Brazil, Getulio Vargas gained leadership. He was not always a dictator, but he slowly transformed into
one. Under his rule, Brazil became a fascist state. He ruled until 1945. Upon his overthrow, Brazil
became a democratic government again.
The year was 1979. In El Salvador, the left and right wing guerilla fighters battled each other. The right
wings had the US support. After 75,000 casualties, the two sides signed a peace treaty.