1. Government and Economics
Chapter 8 Section 2
Government and Economics

2. 2.1 Comparing Governments
Independence broke out in South American countries during the 1800s
However, real power remained with the wealthy families
Argentina, Peru, and Chile provide examples of challenges governments struggle to overcome
Argentina:
Independence gained in 1816
1850s adopted new constitution – economically strong, until 1920s
Military coup took over in 1930
Another coup in 1943 – Colonel Peron gained support
1946 Peron elected President
Raised wages and established social and economic programs
Peron overthrown in 1950s
Since 1980s, Argentina has democratically elected presidents and their government is stable and one of the strongest in South America

3. Peru:
Chile:
Gained independence in 1821
Independence in 1818
Shifted between democratic elections and military rule
Mostly representative democracy
Government overthrown by military in 1973
Wealthy land owners favored over ordinary citizens
General Pinochet acted as dictator for 2 decades and was ruthless and cruel
Social and economic progress difficult with political instability
First Quechua president, Alejandro Toledo, elected in and much support from Quechua and Peru’s poor population
Returned to democracy in 1990
First female president, Michelle Bachelet Jeria, elected in 2006
Her father was killed during Pinochet’s rule and her and her mother were imprisoned and exiled
She has expanded social reforms and created new employment opportunities

4. 2.2 The Pampas Economy An Agricultural Heart
Pampas are the grazing ground for cattle
Large plains stretch across central Argentina from Atlantic to Andes mountains
Cover 295,000 square miles
During 1800s, Spanish imported horses and cattle
Spanish and mestizo cowboys, called gauchos, herded cattle and sheep on the Pampas
Cattle grazing take place in the dry zone, or the Dry Pampas, located in the west
The Wet Pampas, in the east, are humid and average 40 inches of rain fall a year

5. Cattle and agriculture contribute to the region’s economic prosperity
Soybeans, type of bean grown for food and industrial products, became profitable in the 1980s
Grow quickly and do not need much fertilizer, a substance added to soil to enrich it
Low production costs and high prices in global markets make soybeans a valuable crop in Argentina

6. 2.3 Chile’s Food Production
Mediterranean Climates
Chile is a long narrow country that stretches more than 2,600 miles north and south
Central Chile has a temperate, or mild, climate to support agriculture
Mainly along southern Europe and northern Africa, southern Australia, central California and central Chile
Hot, dry summer and mild, rainy winters
Based on latitude lines, or the distance from the equator north or south in degrees
Generally between 30 S – 40 S or 30 N to 40 S
Mediterranean climates lie on western coasts and have similar precipitation patterns
2.3 Chile’s Food Production

7. Chile’s Agricultural Bounty
Location on west coast allows farmers in central Chile to grow rich mixes of crops
Grapes, peaches, and apples grown for export
Grapes and olives lead to a thriving wine industry when a variety of grapes are grown
Exporter of olives and olive oils
Chilean wine and olive oil exports increased in 1990s and early s
Copper remains most valuable export
Growth of agricultural exports since 1980s helps Chile diversify, or vary, its economy
Diverse economies depend on multiple industries and tend to be stronger and more competitive

8. High Mountain Agriculture
Agriculture and mining are key industries in Peru
Andes Mountains in Peru have high peaks and low valleys
Valleys are fertile but not suitable for agriculture
Erratic, or inconsistent, rainfall and rugged terrain makes large scale farming difficult
Potatoes, wheat, corn, vegetables, and quinoa grow well
Cash crops include sugarcane, wheat, coffee, and asparagus
Cattle and alpaca ranching are also economic activities in Peru, but mining is the most profitable
2.4 Products of Peru

9. 2.4 Products of Peru Peru’s Mining Economy
Leading exporter of metals such as silver, zinc, lead, copper and gold
Copper is used for wires, lead is used for car batteries, gold is used for jewelries and electronics
Minerals and metals make up two- thirds of Peru’s export revenue, or earned money from exports
New government policies on mine ownership, which began in early 1990s, began private ownership of mines
Allowed improvements and upgrades which led to growth of mining and becoming more profitable, or financially successful
An upward trend in world prices for metals and minerals helps Peru’s export revenue
2.4 Products of Peru