The Colonial Legacy Dictatorships in Central America and the Caribbean By Annaliese Calhoun & Jovanna Schussel

Latin America 1930s Long tradition of dictatorships Political instability of Republics US Great Depression affects economies Technology aiding totalitarians

Dictators League Myth of Central American dictators Similar methods Mutual non- intervention pact

Jorge Ubico Castañeda Guatemala ( ) Stabilized economy Built infrastructure and public works Personalista 1944 revolt of students, urban middle- class, military

Anastasio Somoza García Nicaragua ( ) Used National Guard to oust president “Nicaragua es mi finca” US government supports dictatorship Assassinated September 21, 1956

Maximiliano Hernández Martínez El Salvador ( ) Economic Depression incites military coup Leftist revolt solidifies dictator’s power Stabilization and public works May 8, 1944 forced from office by general strike

Tiburcio Carías Andino Honduras ( ) Won Presidential election 1932 Economic growth at cost of civil liberties Less repressive than others in League Stepped down gracefully

Rafael Leonidas Trujillo Molina Background Foundations of Regime Political ideology and its effects today

Methods of control

Political Ideology Mesianismo Machismo Racism Anti-Haitian Nationalism Catholicism

Other Interesting Stuff U.S. involvement 30 de mayo 1960 –The Festival of the Goat by Mario Vargas Llosa U.S. intervention in 1965 Other sources –In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez –