Explain the influence of the Cold War between the United States and Soviet Union on political and military conflicts in Latin America. Directions: Using the textbook chapters and at least two of the primary sources listed in this module, write a
The influence of the Cold War between the United States
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Similarly, the US supported right-wing dictatorships in Central America, such as the Somoza regime in Nicaragua and the military juntas in El Salvador and Guatemala. These regimes were often accused of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and disappearances. The US provided military aid and training to these regimes as part of its efforts to combat communism.
The Cold War also fueled internal conflicts within Latin American countries. Left-wing guerrilla movements, often inspired by Marxist-Leninist ideology, emerged in countries like Colombia, Peru, and Argentina. These groups, supported by the Soviet Union and Cuba, sought to overthrow established governments and establish socialist regimes.
The Cold War's influence on Latin America had far-reaching consequences. It led to political instability, human rights abuses, and economic stagnation. The legacy of the Cold War continues to shape the region's politics and society. While the Cold War has ended, the scars of its past remain visible in the form of unresolved conflicts and social inequalities.
Sample Answer
The Cold War, a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, cast a long shadow over Latin America. This ideological conflict fueled political instability, military coups, and civil wars across the region.
The Cuban Revolution of 1959 marked a turning point in US-Latin American relations. Fidel Castro's alignment with the Soviet Union and the subsequent Cuban Missile Crisis heightened Cold War tensions in the region. The US, fearing the spread of communism, implemented policies aimed at containing Soviet influence, often leading to support for authoritarian regimes and military interventions.
One prominent example is the US involvement in Chile.
The CIA-backed coup in 1973, which overthrew the democratically elected socialist government of Salvador Allende, led to a brutal military dictatorship under Augusto Pinochet. This intervention was driven by Cold War fears of a communist takeover in Chile