HIS 219LEC – Latin America and the United States
Outline
HIS 219LEC – Latin America and the United States
Latin America and the United States have a complex and intertwined history that has shaped their current relationship. The course HIS 219LEC aims to explore the historical, economic, political, cultural, and environmental dimensions of this relationship. This article provides an overview of the main topics covered by the course.
Introduction
HIS 219LEC is a course offered by the History department at the University of Buffalo that examines the historical, economic, political, cultural, and environmental relations between Latin America and the United States. The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of this relationship and its impact on both regions.
Historical background of Latin America and the United States
The historical background of Latin America and the United States dates back to the early contacts between Europeans and indigenous peoples in the Americas. The Spanish colonization of the Americas and the subsequent creation of independent states in the 19th century established a political and cultural divide between Latin America and the United States.
The Monroe Doctrine, announced by President James Monroe in 1823, asserted the US’s authority over the Western Hemisphere and marked the beginning of US interventionism in Latin America. The Spanish-American War in 1898 and the subsequent annexation of Puerto Rico and Guam by the US intensified US involvement in Latin America.
During the Cold War era, the US supported authoritarian regimes in Latin America as part of its anti-communist foreign policy. The Cuban Revolution in 1959 and the subsequent Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 marked a turning point in US-Latin American relations.
Economic relations
Economic relations between Latin America and the United States have been characterized by dependency theory, which argues that Latin America’s underdevelopment is a result of its integration into the global capitalist system. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and other trade agreements have further consolidated the US’s economic dominance over Latin America.
Economic sanctions have also been used by the US to influence the policies of Latin American governments, such as the embargo against Cuba. However, Latin American countries have also used their economic power to resist US influence, as in the case of Venezuela’s oil diplomacy.
Political relations
Political relations between Latin America and the United States have been marked by US interventionism and attempts to impose its political model on the region. The US has supported coups and dictatorships in several Latin American countries, including Chile, Argentina, and Brazil.
Contemporary US-Latin American relations are characterized by a more nuanced approach that takes into account the region’s political and economic diversity. However, the US still exercises significant political influence in the region, particularly in countries such as Colombia and Mexico.
Cultural influences
Cultural influences between Latin America and the United States have been reciprocal, with both regions influencing each other’s popular culture, literature, religion, and other aspects of daily life. Latin American music, food, and art have had a significant impact on the US, while American movies, TV shows, and brands have become ubiquitous in Latin America.
Literature has also played an important role in the cultural exchange between the two regions. Latin American authors such as Gabriel García Márquez, Isabel Allende, and Octavio Paz have gained international recognition, while American writers such as Ernest Hemingway and Jack Kerouac have been inspired by their travels to Latin America.
Religion is another area where cultural influences have been significant. Latin America is predominantly Catholic, while the US is predominantly Protestant. However, both regions have experienced religious syncretism, with indigenous and African religions blending with Catholicism in Latin America and evangelicalism spreading in Latin America and the US.
Migration and immigration policies
Migration and immigration policies have also played a significant role in US-Latin American relations. Historical migration patterns include the forced migration of African slaves and the voluntary migration of Europeans to the Americas. In the 20th century, Latin American migration to the US increased significantly, driven by economic, political, and social factors.
Contemporary immigration policies in the US have been shaped by debates over national security, economic competition, and cultural assimilation. The Trump administration implemented a series of restrictive immigration policies, including the separation of families at the border and the cancellation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The Biden administration has promised to reform US immigration policy, but has faced significant political opposition.
Environmental issues
Environmental issues have emerged as a major area of concern in US-Latin American relations. Transnational corporations have played a significant role in the exploitation of natural resources in Latin America, often at the expense of local communities and the environment. The Amazon rainforest, which spans several Latin American countries, is a crucial global ecosystem that is under threat from deforestation and climate change.
Environmental activism in Latin America has gained international attention, with indigenous communities and environmental organizations protesting against mining, oil drilling, and other extractive industries. The US has also been a major contributor to global carbon emissions, and its climate policies have significant implications for Latin America and the rest of the world.
Conclusion
HIS 219LEC provides a comprehensive overview of the complex and multifaceted relationship between Latin America and the United States. The course covers a range of topics, including historical background, economic and political relations, cultural influences, migration and immigration policies, and environmental issues. Understanding this relationship is crucial for navigating the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
FAQs
HIS 219LEC is a course offered by the History department at the University of Buffalo that examines the historical, economic, political, cultural, and environmental relations between Latin America and the United States.
The relationship between Latin America and the United States has significant implications for both regions and the world as a whole. It impacts trade, migration, security, culture, and the environment.
The US has supported coups and dictatorships in several Latin American countries, including Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, as part of its anti-communist foreign policy during the Cold War era.
Economic relations between Latin America and the United States have been characterized by dependency theory, which argues that Latin America’s underdevelopment is a result of its integration into the global capitalist system.
Transnational corporations have played a significant role in the exploitation of natural resources in Latin America, leading to environmental degradation and human rights abuses. The Amazon rainforest is also under threat from deforestation and climate change, which has significant implications for the global ecosystem.