Latin America Flashcards
(22 cards)
Why were USA interested in Chile?
Copper and Silver mines
- US also dominated Chile’s telecommunications system
Who came to power in Chile in September 1970?
Salvador Allende
What was USA’s position on Allende in Cuba?
Saw him as another Castro and CIA managed a coup to prevent him taking power
How did the USA reduce Chile’s presence?
Influences the World Bank not to lend Chile money
- Also withdrew all economic aid
Impact of USA intervention in Chile on the USA
Economic pressure leading to inflation and industry declines
- Due to USA, Chile suffered under a brutal dictatorship for 25 years
- Seen as supporting an authoritarian regime just to remove communist ideology
- Uncovered CIA plot
Who did USA encourage to lead Chile and when did he take power?
Augusto Pinochet and September 1973
Cuba’s involvement in Ethiopia
Military aid and training to forces against Pinochet
- Limited when compared to Africa and other American countries as no direct attack
What and when was Regan’s fear regarding Greneda?
October 1983
- Feared Greneda would become communist base after a military coup led by Coard Faction of 7000
Was there any evidence of communist presence in Greneda?
Only a handful of Cuban military advisers and no evidence of communist intent
What was the USSR’s response to US invasion in Greneda?
Viewed invasion as an example of US imperialism and ordered Soviet negotiators out of Geneva arms control talks
UK’s response to US invasion in Greneda?
Margaret Thatcher resented USA’s failure to consult on the action against former British colony
What excuse did the USA use for their involvement in Grenada?
Protecting US medical students studying there
What happened in Nicaragua June 1979?
Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) led by Ortega Saavedra seized power from Anastasio Somoza
What was Carter’s view on Nicaragua?
Recognised Sandinista (FSLN) government and provided assistance
What was Reagan’s view on Nicaragua?
Regarded Sandinista’s (FSLN) as communists and likening Nicaragua to Cuba
What did the USA do in Nicaragua in March 1981?
Found an anti-communist group to support (Contras) founded by old business classes and former Somoza National Guard
What did the USA provide to the Contras?
Funds, equipment and training
- Honduras also provided a safe haven from them
What happened in Nicaragua in March 1982?
Following a Contra account, Sandinistas imposed press censorship restrictions and military conscription
- Exactly the image Reagan wanted to create
What illegal and questionable activities did Reagan do in Nicaragua?
- Evade confessional restriction on aid to Contras
- Tried to persuade Israel and Taiwan to provide Contra funding
- High level American officials helped to broker arms sales to Iran regardless of Embargo (then use money to fund Contras)
- CIA mined Nicaraguan harbours and did not pay reparations
Impact of Nicaragua on US-USSR Relations
- Increased distrust due to covert nature of intervention
- However, limited significance towards Cold war
What was the Atlacatl brigade - El Salvador?
Exercised a search and destroy mission in 1981
- Massacre and 100s of civillians killed
How did Atlacatl brigade impact US image?
US State Department claimed no evidence
- Widespread criticism for its role alongside support in Chile for widespread human rights issues and massacres
