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Latin American countries in 1918-1939.
PLAN.
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The impact of the First World War on the countries of Latin America.
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Impact of world economic crisis on Latin America.
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Great Power's Struggle for Latin America.
The First World War had a great impact on the life of Latin American countries. Therefore, the economy of these countries began to grow rapidly. This was caused by the increased demand for raw materials and agricultural products from Latin American countries in the countries participating in the First World War. Secondly, because of the war, the finished products imported from Europe decreased sharply. This has boosted the processing industry in Latin American countries.
If until the 20s Great Britain was in the first place in investing in Latin America, by the end of the 20s the situation changed radically. The US has now overtaken the UK in this regard. By the end of the 30s, large US companies established their dominant position here.
Political life in Latin American countries was different. Although the republic system was officially declared in the economically backward countries, in practice authoritarian and dictatorial regimes were established in them. Although the constitution of some states guarantees the rights of the representative body of power, power was concentrated in the hands of one or another oligarchy.
After the war in relatively economically developed countries (Argentina, Chile and Uruguay), the conservative-oligarchy system had to give way to liberal-democratic forces.
The world economic crisis (1929-1933) had a great negative impact on the economy of Latin American countries. This is due to the fact that the economic development of these countries depends on the foreign market, as well as their dependence on foreign capital.
In 1930, a military coup was held in Argentina and the government of the reformist Emir I. Irigoyen was overthrown, and the power of the coffee oligarchy fell in Brazil. Dictatorship in Chile and Cuba has ended. In Colombia, in 1930, liberal reformers came to power instead of conservative oligarchy.
From the 30s, countries belonging to the fascist bloc - Germany, Italy and Japan - also tried to establish their influence in Latin America. German investment was placed in the economy of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Paraguay. However, German Nazis were not limited to trade and economic relations. They tried to create fascist organizations in this region as well. They relied on German immigrants living in Latin America to further this intention. The largest countries - Argentina and Brazil - were supposed to be the bases of fascism's expansion in Latin America.
However, the Nazis did not achieve their goals. The reason for this was that Germany and its allies did not have enough economic power to displace the USA and other Western European rivals in this region.
Brazil is one of the countries that participated in the First World War. In particular, on October 1917, 26, he declared war on Germany after the USA.
The rapid development of the Brazilian economy did not last long. In 1920-1921, a crisis occurred in its economy. The price of export products fell sharply. For example, in 1919, this figure was 9,5 cents.
At the same time, the internal political situation in the country was also becoming tense. During the period of President S. Bernardis (1922-1926), the dictatorial regime began to settle in the country.
In October 1930, the military, which had strong ties with the ruling circles, raised the price. The dictatorship of J. Vargas was established in the country and the dictatorship abolished the 1891 Constitution of the country.
In 1935, the progressive forces of the country managed to create a united people's front against fascism. This front was called "National Liberation Alliance of the People's Front All-Brazilian Organization".
On November 1937, 10, J. Vargas dissolved the Congress. He canceled the 1934 Constitution and established his personal dictatorship in the country. The Vargas regime ruled until 1945.
As a result of the First World War, due to the decrease in European exports, Argentina's national economy began to develop rapidly. Argentina is the world's second largest exporter of wheat (after Canada) and the largest exporter of meat products.
However, as in Brazil, the growth in Argentina's economy did not last long. The economic crisis of 1920-1921 brought great losses to the country's economy.
In particular, the government has introduced significant changes in the field of labor legislation. For example, an 8-hour working day, 1 day off per week, giving employees a vacation, and the minimum wage were introduced.
I. Irigoyen (1927-1928) won the presidential election in 1930-XNUMX.
On September 1930, 6, a coup d'état was held under the leadership of General Jose F. Uriburu. F. Uriburi announced himself as the temporary President. The new government dissolved the country's Congress, abolished the 8-hour workday.
In November 1931, another general - P. Justo (1932 - 1938) was nominated for the presidency and he won. The new government has implemented laws prohibiting strikes and declaring a state of siege in the country.
In foreign policy, the way to get closer to Great Britain was used. At the same time, he sought to avoid becoming dependent on the United States, and to prevent the growing influence of the United States in Latin America.
On February 1917, 5, a democratic constitution was adopted in Mexico. In particular, the Constitution declared land, underground resources and water as state property. The revision of lease agreements concluded with foreign countries and foreign monopolies was established.
The Constitution declared an 8-hour working day, the minimum wage, and the right to unionize and strike. British and US monopolies were entrenched in the Mexican economy. Mexican oil exports halved in 1938.
Great Britain sent strong notes to the Mexican government. In response, Mexico severed ties with Great Britain in May 1938.
Cuba is one of the countries that participated in the First World War. He declared war on Germany on April 1917, 17. However, his participation in the World War was symbolic.
Cuba's economy also developed during the war years. This led to an increase in the production and export of sugar in Europe due to the war. If in 1913 - 2,4 mln. If a ton of sugar was produced, this figure was 1919 million in 4. He threw out a ton.
However, since 1920, the situation has changed dramatically. The increase in sugar production in Europe sharply reduced the demand for Cuban sugar.
In February 1917, the United States deployed its military forces to Guantanamo, Santiago and other important military facilities. In July 1917, the uprising was suppressed.
Thus, Cuba was effectively occupied by the United States, and this continued until 1922. At the same time, Cuba's financial dependence on the United States was increasing. In particular, the US investment in Cuba in 1929 amounted to 1,5 billion. Made up the dollar. 800 mln. The dollar was placed in the sugar industry.
In 1933, Emir H. Machado (1924-1933) obtained extraordinary powers from the Congress in order to further strengthen his dictatorship. The constitution was suspended for 30 days. However, these measures did not have the desired result, and the general strike continued in the country.
On the night of September 1933, 5, F. Batista staged a coup d'état. He was appointed Chief of Staff of the country's military forces. Although San Martin, a professor at the University of Havana, held the presidency. In practice, power was concentrated in the hands of F. Batista.
Control questions.
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How did World War I affect Latin American countries?
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What role did the great powers play in the economic and political life of Latin America?
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How has Brazil's unique development been?
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What role did the US play in Cuba's development?