Author: AILEEN CHINO ALVINO

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Research project 4: Latin America in the media

Economic Inequality

https://apnews.com/article/mexico-poverty-election-lopez-obrador-182061c29209528ea5553ce89d6db09c

In the article “Mexico’s Poorest Receiving Less Government Funds under President Who Brought Poor to the Fore,” Christopher Shelman delves into the paradoxical situation under President Andres Manuel Obrador (AMLO). Despite AMLO’S campaign promises to prioritize the poor, the article highlights how his administration has in fact reduced government funding to some of the country’s most impoverished regions.

Sherman discusses the broader economic context in which these budget cuts are occurring. The Mexican economy has been struggling, with slow growth and high levels of debt. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these economic challenges, putting additional pressure on government finances. 

Sherman also explores the reasons behind this funding cut. One of the key reasons is Amlo’s policy of austerity. The president has been committed to reducing government spending and eliminating corruption, which he argues will ultimately benefit the poor. 

However, this approach has led to budget cuts across various sectors, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations. The article suggests that while the intention behind austerity is to create a more efficient and corruption-free government, the immediate impact has been detrimental to those who were supposed to benefit the most from AMLO”S  presidency.

The article provides a detailed analysis of budget allocations, showing that states like CHiapas, Oaxaca, and Guerrero, which are among the poorest in Mexico, have seen significant reductions in federal funds. For instance, the article mentions “Martínez said his field work in Chiapas, Mexico’s poorest state, found many people who were not receiving as much money as they had previously under Prospera, but who nevertheless fervently supported López Obrador”(Sherlman). This reduction has impacted various sectors, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, which are crucial for improving living conditions in these areas. This reminds me to the perusall reading of “Economic Fault Lines and Middle-Class Fears” it says “Even after two or three days everyone was working chaotically, without any system. The desperation to save loved ones led to great inefficiency. I believe that the lack of coordination and organization made it impossible to save a great many people. There was even a lack of communication between soldiers and their captains. It’s not for nothing that most countries have offices to deal with emergencies and people trained for such events” (Walker). It demonstrates economic inequality by showing how a lack of resources and organization can lead to inefficiency and chaos in emergency situations. Wealthier regions are better equipped to handle such events, while poorer areas suffer from inadequate preparation and resource capabilities.

Both sources illustrate the impact of economic policies and government actions on different social classes in Mexico. Sherman’s article shows a contemporary example where the poor are receiving less support, despite promises to the contrary, leading to increased economic disparity. Walker’s historical analysis reveals similar themes of economic instability and the resulting feas among the middle class due to government policies.

Sherman’s Article the reduction in government funds for the poorest segments of society under a president who campaigned on helping the poor demonstrates a betrayal of promises and highlights ongoing economic inequalities. This can be seen as a continuation of historical patterns of neglect and economic disparity. Walker’s shows how economic policies and crises can create significant instability and insecurity. The 1985 earthquake exacerbated these issues, revealing the vulnerabilities of the middle class and the inadequacies of government responses.

In conclusion, Sherman’s article provides a nuanced analysis of the complex and often contradictory situation under President AMLO. While the president’s rhetoric and some policies have focused on helping the poor, the reality of reduced government funding to impoverished regions tells a different story. Sherman’s analysis underscores the challenges of balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to support the most vulnerable populations, a dilemma that continues to shape the political and economic landscape of Mexico.

Works Cited

“Mexico’s Poorest Receiving Less Government Funds under President Who Brought Poor to the Fore.” AP News, 24 May 2024, apnews.com/article/mexico-poverty-election-lopez-obrador-182061c29209528ea5553ce89d6db09c.

Walker, Louise E. “Economic Fault Lines and Middle-Class Fears.” Https://App.perusall.com/Courses/His-3072/Walker-Economic-Fault-Lines?AssignmentId=R5bvoXctqGEcmE3po&Part=1, app.perusall.com/courses/his-3072/walker-economic-fault-lines?assignmentId=R5bvoXctqGEcmE3po&part=1.

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Research project 3: Latin America in the Cold War

State Department Cable, La Paz 2697

https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/document/24580-document-1-state-department-cable-la-paz-2697-guerrilla-situation-bolivia-april-22

The State Department cable highlights several key aspects of the Cold War era, particularly the U.S involvement in Latin America to counteract communist influences. During the Cold War, the United States was deeply concerned about the spread of communism and supported various regimes and military efforts to suppress leftist movements.

It seems like there was quite a stir in the region with reports of bearded armed men spotted by locals during a visit. Even though they weren’t believed to be organized guerrillas, the army was still ordered to investigate by Barrientos. The Estado Mayor and the local commander were skeptical about the reports, but patrols were carried out, only to find a group of smugglers at most.

In this case, General Williams Tope’s assessment of the guerilla situation in Bolivia reflects the broader U.S strategy of providing military aid and training to allied governments. President Barrientos’ concern about the guerrillas being we;;-organized and connected to other countries like Argentina, Venezuela, and Cuba underscores the fear of a regional spread of communism, which was a significant concern for the U.S. during this period. The emphasis on using individuals with counterinsurgency training from the U.S and the support of the Bolivian Army highlights the American strategy of building local capacities to fight insurgencies. This approach aimed to prevent the waste of resources and ensure that U.S assistance was effectively utilized to achieve anti-communist objectives. 

The Memorandum of conversation between Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and Argentine Foreign Minister Admiral Cesar Guzzetti and State Department Cable both highlight the U.S focus on addressing communist insurgencies in Latin America during the Cold War. In the 1967 cable, the U.S State Department is already concerned about guerilla activities in Bolivia, emphasizing the need for effective counterinsurgency measures and the involvement of U.- trained personnel to handle the situation. This document illustrates the early stages of U.S intervention and the challenges faced by local forces in dealing with well-organized guerrilla groups.By 1976, the conversation between Kissinger and Guzzetti reflects a continued and expanded concern about communist influences, not just in Bolivia but across the region. The memorandum likely discusses broader strategies and the necessity of cooperation between the U.S. and Latin American governments to counteract these threats. This includes sharing intelligence, providing military aid, and ensuring that local forces are adequately trained and equipped to handle insurgencies.Both documents underscore the persistent U.S. strategy of supporting Latin American governments in their efforts to combat communist guerrillas, highlighting the ongoing nature of these efforts and the interconnectedness of U.S. foreign policy objectives in the region.

Lyndon Baines Johnson Library: Lyndon B. Johnson Papers: National Security File (hereafter LBJL: LBJP: NSF) : Country File: Latin America, b. 8, f.: “Bolivia v. 4 (1/66-12/68).

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Uncategorized
https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/document/24580-document-1-state-department-cable-la-paz-2697-guerrilla-situation-bolivia-april-22

The State Department cable highlights several key aspects of the Cold War era, particularly the U.S involvement in Latin America to counteract communist influences. During the Cold War, the United States was deeply concerned about the spread of communism and supported various regimes and military efforts to suppress leftist movements.

It seems like there was quite a stir in the region with reports of bearded armed men spotted by locals during a visit. Even though they weren’t believed to be organized guerrillas, the army was still ordered to investigate by Barrientos. The Estado Mayor and the local commander were skeptical about the reports, but patrols were carried out, only to find a group of smugglers at most.

In this case, General Williams Tope’s assessment of the guerilla situation in Bolivia reflects the broader U.S strategy of providing military aid and training to allied governments. President Barrientos’ concern about the guerrillas being we;;-organized and connected to other countries like Argentina, Venezuela, and Cuba underscores the fear of a regional spread of communism, which was a significant concern for the U.S. during this period. The emphasis on using individuals with counterinsurgency training from the U.S and the support of the Bolivian Army highlights the American strategy of building local capacities to fight insurgencies. This approach aimed to prevent the waste of resources and ensure that U.S assistance was effectively utilized to achieve anti-communist objectives. 

The Memorandum of conversation between Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and Argentine Foreign Minister Admiral Cesar Guzzetti and State Department Cable both highlight the U.S focus on addressing communist insurgencies in Latin America during the Cold War. In the 1967 cable, the U.S State Department is already concerned about guerilla activities in Bolivia, emphasizing the need for effective counterinsurgency measures and the involvement of U.- trained personnel to handle the situation. This document illustrates the early stages of U.S intervention and the challenges faced by local forces in dealing with well-organized guerrilla groups.By 1976, the conversation between Kissinger and Guzzetti reflects a continued and expanded concern about communist influences, not just in Bolivia but across the region. The memorandum likely discusses broader strategies and the necessity of cooperation between the U.S. and Latin American governments to counteract these threats. This includes sharing intelligence, providing military aid, and ensuring that local forces are adequately trained and equipped to handle insurgencies.Both documents underscore the persistent U.S. strategy of supporting Latin American governments in their efforts to combat communist guerrillas, highlighting the ongoing nature of these efforts and the interconnectedness of U.S. foreign policy objectives in the region.

Lyndon Baines Johnson Library: Lyndon B. Johnson Papers: National Security File (hereafter LBJL: LBJP: NSF) : Country File: Latin America, b. 8, f.: “Bolivia v. 4 (1/66-12/68).

Categories
Uncategorized
https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/document/24580-document-1-state-department-cable-la-paz-2697-guerrilla-situation-bolivia-april-22

The State Department cable highlights several key aspects of the Cold War era, particularly the U.S involvement in Latin America to counteract communist influences. During the Cold War, the United States was deeply concerned about the spread of communism and supported various regimes and military efforts to suppress leftist movements.

It seems like there was quite a stir in the region with reports of bearded armed men spotted by locals during a visit. Even though they weren’t believed to be organized guerrillas, the army was still ordered to investigate by Barrientos. The Estado Mayor and the local commander were skeptical about the reports, but patrols were carried out, only to find a group of smugglers at most.

In this case, General Williams Tope’s assessment of the guerilla situation in Bolivia reflects the broader U.S strategy of providing military aid and training to allied governments. President Barrientos’ concern about the guerrillas being we;;-organized and connected to other countries like Argentina, Venezuela, and Cuba underscores the fear of a regional spread of communism, which was a significant concern for the U.S. during this period. The emphasis on using individuals with counterinsurgency training from the U.S and the support of the Bolivian Army highlights the American strategy of building local capacities to fight insurgencies. This approach aimed to prevent the waste of resources and ensure that U.S assistance was effectively utilized to achieve anti-communist objectives. 

The Memorandum of conversation between Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and Argentine Foreign Minister Admiral Cesar Guzzetti and State Department Cable both highlight the U.S focus on addressing communist insurgencies in Latin America during the Cold War. In the 1967 cable, the U.S State Department is already concerned about guerilla activities in Bolivia, emphasizing the need for effective counterinsurgency measures and the involvement of U.- trained personnel to handle the situation. This document illustrates the early stages of U.S intervention and the challenges faced by local forces in dealing with well-organized guerrilla groups.By 1976, the conversation between Kissinger and Guzzetti reflects a continued and expanded concern about communist influences, not just in Bolivia but across the region. The memorandum likely discusses broader strategies and the necessity of cooperation between the U.S. and Latin American governments to counteract these threats. This includes sharing intelligence, providing military aid, and ensuring that local forces are adequately trained and equipped to handle insurgencies.Both documents underscore the persistent U.S. strategy of supporting Latin American governments in their efforts to combat communist guerrillas, highlighting the ongoing nature of these efforts and the interconnectedness of U.S. foreign policy objectives in the region.

Lyndon Baines Johnson Library: Lyndon B. Johnson Papers: National Security File (hereafter LBJL: LBJP: NSF) : Country File: Latin America, b. 8, f.: “Bolivia v. 4 (1/66-12/68).

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Research project 2: Images of Latin America in the late 1800s and early 1900s
Carts of immigrants and goods coming onto the beach at Port San Martin in Buenos Aires.;

Arrival of immigrants. (1850). The Latin American Library.

The expansion of Latin America’s export-oriented economy in the mid-19th century is a significant historical development that can be illustrated by the image of horse carts with immigrants. The carts, filled with people seeking new opportunities and merchandise for trade, create a dynamic and diverse atmosphere against the backdrop of the port. The salty sea breeze mixes with the sounds of chatter in various languages, blending the hopes and dreams of those arriving with the hustle and bustle of commerce. This period marked a transformative era for many Latin American countries, including Argentina, as they integrated more deeply into the global economy through the export of agricultural products and raw materials.

The sight of carts rolling onto the sandy shores symbolizes the beginning of new journeys and connections, as individuals from different backgrounds and cultures converge at this pivotal point of arrival. The face of immigrants reflects a mix of excitement, apprehension, and determination as they step onto this new land.

In this image, the carts represent not just the physical goods being transported but also the dreams, aspirations, and resilience of those embarking on a new chapter in their lives. The scene captures the essence of movement, change, and the blending of cultures at Port San Martin, a getaway where stories of migration, trade, and human connection unfold against the backdrop of the sea of Buenos Aires.

We learn in class about the Anglo-French Blockade. The Anglo-French blockade was a military and naval intervention by Britain and France aimed at opening Argentina’s interior rivers to international trade and weakening the power of Buenos Aires’ governor, Juan Manuel de Rosas . During this period, Buenos Aires faced economic difficulties due to the disruption of trade and military pressure.

In this context, the arrival of horse carts loaded with immigrants and goods at Port San Martin in 1850 could be seen as a sign of recovery and resilience. The immigrants arriving were seeking new opportunities and contributed to the diversification and economic growth of the region. The goods transported in the carts were essential for reactivating trade and supplying the city after years of blockade. 

The goods being transported in the horse carts likely included agricultural products such as beef, hides, and wool, which were in high demand in international markets. The expansion of these exports was facilitated by improvements in transportation infrastructure, such as the development of ports and railways, which connected the interior agricultural regions with costal export hubs like Buenos Aires. Port San Martin, being a strategic point, would have been crucial for receiving these goods and people. The image of the cart arriving at the beach symbolizes not only the physical movement of merchandise but also the resilience and adaptability of Buenos Aires in the face of the adversities imposed by the blockade.

Moreover, the arrival of immigrants at Port San Martin highlights the role of human capital in the expansion of the export economy. Many immigrants were escaping economic hardships in Europe and were eager to seize new opportunities in Latin America.

In conclusion, the image of horse carts with immigrants and goods arriving at Port San Martin in Buenos Aires in 1850 serves as a powerful symbol of the expansion of Latin America’s export-oriented economy. It reflects the resilience of the local economy in the face of external pressures, the critical role of infrastructure development, and the significant contributions of immigrants to economic growth.

Categories
Research project 1: Visualizing Latin American independence

JCB Archive of Early American Images, accession number 07385, Têtes de Différentes Castes Sauvages.

This image depicts the heads of different castes in colonial Latin America. It was part of a series of images that represented the various racial mixtures and social hierarchies during that time. The image was created in 1768-1848 during the American Revolutions, abolition of slavery, and formations of New Nations. The image portrays the various racial mixtures of the time. It illustrates families of mixed racial backgrounds, such as mestizos.

In the image, we could see detailed representations of people from different ethnic backgrounds and racial mixtures, such as mestizos, mulattos, zambos, and others/ It reflects the complexities and social divisions of the colonial era.

As we learn in class about the common identities of peninsulares, creoles, Indianos, Africanos, mestizos, pardos, and zambos in colonial Latin America. It represented the diverse racial and social hierarchies of the time, similar to the castes depicted in the images. Each group had its own place in society, reflecting the complexities of colonial society.

There were 7 common identities related to the image. Peninsulares were Spaniards born in Spani  who were at the top of the social hierarchy. Creoles were Spaniards born in the Americas, often holding significant social and economic power but considered below peninsulares. Indianos refers to Spaniards who had returned from the Americas. Africans were enslaved people brought from Africa, who were at the bottom of the social hierarchy.. Pardos were people of mixed European, African, and Indigenous ancestry. Zambos were people of mixed African and Indigenous ancestry.