Latin American Political Culture

He went on to displace Spanish control of Peru and helped establish the Republic of Bolivia (then Republica Bolivar). In 1828, Bolfvar resigned his presidency, and ii years later died, his brave multination merger falling apart.

policy-making rule in the soon re-established Republic of Venezuela was by simpleton strength of arms. The capital city, Caracas, changed hands often as hawkish caudillos (regional strongmen) affaird each other in hopes of becoming the next Bolfvar. As Cockcroft notes,

. . .some features do appear to be common to the area's history, particularly the traditions of centralize colonial authority and postcolonial economic dependence, regional bossism (caudillismo), personal leaders with exaggerated influence (personalismo), patriarchal male chauvinism (machismo), urbanization, 'new politics,' and armament rule or control over the affairs of domain versus 'civilismo' -- civilian resistance to armed forces rule (362).

The late 1800's gave nurture to many professions that opened doors of opportunity and advancement to Latin America's optic class families. Among these were civil and hydraulic engineering, architecture, medicine, law, and the military. But it was military didactics that offered free and fast passage to greater social mobility.

military officers, sworn to the defense of their country and its constitution, had limited opportunity to screen their courage and leadership against foreign armies. Instead, they felt a res

American commercial exports are united to the export of

Yet, for all that pulls us together, the history of U.S.-Latin American relations continues to be one of friction and misunderstanding.

ponsibility to develop these traits in battle with what they perceived as internal threats. "The army's acceptance of these special responsibilities provided a rationale for political action and, on occasion, direct amour in governing the nation" (Beezley 29).

Pascoe, Elaine. Neighbors at Odds -- U.S. form _or_ system of government in Latin America.

These problems stem from social structures and cultural

There seems to a greater extent similarities than differences among the different forms of authoritarian rule in Latin America, although in Mexico a great deal of the variationary leadership arose from the aptitude and "personalismo" of men who had peasant beginnings.

And so it continued into the 20th century, where revolution after revolution began -- and always seemed to end -- with the personal agendas of military officers, who often came to rule together as the "junta." The names -- Peron, Batista, Somoza, Pinochet, Trujillo, Castro, Velasco, Torrijos, Noriega -- allow not be forgotten.

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