Populism and Militarism in the Southern Cone PPT PDF

Populism and Militarism in the Southern Cone Goals: Images selected for unique classroom presentation and are subject to copyright. 1. Highlight increased industrialization and the rise of the working class and unions 2. Explain Populism: The examples of Brazil and Argentina 3. Examine the rise and...

Populism and Militarism in the Southern Cone Goals: Images selected for unique classroom presentation and are subject to copyright. 1. Highlight increased industrialization and the rise of the working class and unions 2. Explain Populism: The examples of Brazil and Argentina 3. Examine the rise and fall of Perón, military dictatorship, and Argentina’s return to democracy 4. Examine the rise and fall of Allende, Pinochet’s military dictatorship, and Chile’ return to democracy 5. Provide quick overview of military rule in Brazil, and Brazil’s return to democracy 1 Economic Nationalism, 1935-1980: Overview Latin American imports fall 60% from 1929 to 1932 (which nationalists see as positive) The rise of “Import substitution industrialization” or (ISI) (next slide) Light industry: clothing, shoes; processed foods and beverages, consumer goods (ex. soap, cigarettes), pharmaceuticals Heavy industry: steel, machinery, automobiles, petrochemicals Large and wealthy Latin American countries make strides in light industry and heavy industry (esp. Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, also Chile and smaller Uruguay) 2 Aggressively protect fledgling national industries ImportSubstitution Industrialization (ISI) Promote state control of vital sectors (railroad, telephone, oil, steel) The prevailing view of Latin American nationalists and economists at this time: Instead of importing finished/manufactured goods from abroad, we should produce our own finished/manufactured goods—even if we must place high tariffs on foreign goods, even if we cannot produce high quality goods, and even if the local or governmentowned industry doesn’t make a profit. (We must make our own economies strong.) Definition of Tariff (Economic Times): “… the tax imposed by the government on imported goods from other countries.” Doing so makes the imported goods more expensive to buy (because they are taxed heavily resulting in an artificially-high price) and makes it more likely that consumers will purchase goods produced in their own country (because they are not taxed heavily and, thus, are more affordable). Tariffs are commonplace: Countries all over the world place tariffs on imported products, especially on products that might compete with (or even wipe-out) the same products in one’s own country. Even countries that promote “free trade” protect their key products and industries in the free trade “agreements” they establish with other countries. 3 8 1 Example of heavy industry: Automobile assembly in Argentina 9 1 Example of heavy industry: Oil drilling in Venezuela Specific Success Stories: Inca Cola in Peru Specific Success Stories: Ceveza Moctezuma, El Buen Tono, and Tourism in Mexico Specific Success Story: Brazil’s Francesco Matarazzo’s Industrial Conglomerate Italian born Brazilian businessman (18541937) Rags to riches. Riches Brazilian at time of death Came to own 365 factories (one for each day of the year) São Paulo and elsewhere 1854-1937 8 The Emergence of Labor Movements, 1900-1945 (next 4 slides) São Paulo, Brazil, general strike, 1917, and the Radical “Prestes Column” (example of anarcho-syndicalism) Irigoyen and the Radical Party’s alliance with moderate labor leaders in Argentina, 1920-1930 (example of capitalist-oriented unions) The CTM in Mexico (an example of a union co-opted into the government) 9 São Paulo general strike, 1917 Brazilian armed forces: “Prestes Column” 1920s Brazilian anarchist uprising, 1917-1918 Luís Carlos Prestes. Left-leaning (communist?) military “tenente” who helped plan 1922 barracks revolt against the Brazilian oligarchy’s control over the First Republic. Exiled to Bolivia. Played a prominent role in Brazilian politics throughout 20th century 10 The More Radical… Anarcho-Syndicalism in Brazil (1910s-20s) “Anarcho” comes from anarchism– a (leftist) movement that seeks to destroy hierarchical government and seeks to organize society along voluntary and cooperative lines without needing force or compulsion. Anarcho-syndicalism: A system of economic organization in which industries are owned and managed by workers. “Syndicalism” is not a perfect synonym for “unions” since most union members are not anarchists. Obviously… seen as a threat to traditional conceptions of authority, government, and capitalism, and usually despised by the owners of factories and conservatives. Future slides demonstrate that labor movements vary in their approaches. Some respect capitalism and others are even coopted by capitalist-oriented governments. 11 Irigoyen and the Radical Party’s alliance with moderate labor leaders in Argentina, 1920-1930 Hipólito Yrigoyen Member of middle-class and popular part called Radical Civic Union Against traditional oligarchy and conservatives Twice president: 1916-1922 and 1928-30 Advocated progressive social reforms and the right of union members to advocate for improved factory conditions, regulated work hours, and pensions Overthrown by military coup in 1930 12 (Government Controlled/Regulated) Unions in Mexico: The CTM Confederation of Mexican Workers [CTM] Co-opted into partnership with State Received government support and seen as the “labor arm” of the oneparty system (the PRI) until 2000 Worked with government to eliminate independent, uncooperative, and troublesome upstarts Workers rights are privileged in the government, but union leaders are coopted and sometimes corrupt. Also, workers become beholden to the [PRI] party in power. So, again, some unions are radical (communist), some are moderate (capitalistic, seeking fairer wages and conditions), and others are supported by or part of the government. 13 The Political style known as Populism: Style over Substance Q: How and why was society changing in early 20th century (1900-1940)? A: Increased industrialization, and an influx of Europeans into So. Cone from developed countries where workers had unions and more political power (and they demanded the same in Chile and Argentina). Q: Who were the populists? A: A new brand of politician who catered to workers in cities (who previously didn’t have a voice or spokespeople). They focused on getting the votes of workers to win elections. 14 Understanding Populism (cont’d) Q: What did populists promise? A: To improve the lives of the working class and the poor, build schools, build hospitals, strengthen unions and increase wages. (Anything to get the vote.) Tell the people what they want to hear. Rally the base. Q: What new tools did populists use to attract followers? A: The social media of the day: radio, newspapers, and television. The also used the (new) rhetoric of socialism: class struggle, proletariat, workers rights, etc., and they denounced foreign domination and imperialism. 15 Understanding Populism (cont’d) Q: What policies did they usually promote? A: They promised to nationalize the railroads and other key industries, to increase electoral participation, to allow female suffrage, to industrialize the nation (rather than be a supplier of primary goods to already-developed nations), and to provide subsidies for essential foods and services. Q: Who supported the populists? A: Supporters came from non-elite groups, primarily urban workers (who wanted higher wages and better working conditions), the poor (who desperately needed social services— schools, health services, housing), intellectuals and students (who were fed-up with economic inequality), and some members of the middle class. 16 Understanding Populism (cont’d) Q: Who opposed the populists? A: The traditional elite/oligarchy (large landowners, the Catholic Church, and successful capitalists) and foreign investors and their governments (U.S. and Britain) who preferred political and economic stability. Q: Why did they oppose the populists? A: The traditional elite/oligarchy viewed left-wing populists as too progressive and dangerous. The elite wanted to preserve their economic and political domination. Q: If the elite didn’t want a populist to run the country, what type of leader did they want? A: The elite supported traditional (economic liberal and conservative) politicians, but when these politicians lost in popular elections, the elite (and some members of the middle class) proved willing to support dictators. They reasoned: Better a dictator who protects capitalism than a democracy that embraces socialism. 17 Brazil’s Populist (and complicated) President, Getúlio Vargas of Brazil, the “Father of the Poor” (1930-1945, 1951-1954) 1882-1954 18 Brazil’s Populist: Getúlio Vargas, 1930-1945: Overview The Volta Redonda steelworks From wealthy, landowning family Former federal finance minister and Governor of Rio Grande do Sul Probably won the 1930 presidency but denied the (rigged) election 1930-37: Became president after a military coup. He centralized power of federal government, and created powerful ministries of labor, commerce, industry, and justice. 1935: Crushes the communist rebellion led by Luíz Carlos Prestes 1937: Closed Congress and declared “Estado Novo” dictatorship: Declared state of emergency, suspended civil rights, censorship, tortured political dissenters 1938: Purged Brazilian Fascists after rebellion Allied with US during WWII and received U.S. aid (e.g. to build Volta Redonda). 1945: Deposed in bloodless coup 1950: Returned to presidency 1954: Committed suicide while being implicated in a failed assassination attempt of a political rival and under threat of being deposed by military. 19 “The New State” Getúlio Vargas was perhaps the most important Brazilian politician of the 20th century. He created a cult of personality and an image of himself as the “father of the poor.” He championed the concept of Brazil as a racial democracy and implemented social welfare legislation for the urban, middle-class workers who supported him, and gave them jobs in an expanding state apparatus. He became more of a “populist” beginning in the 1940s as he began to more methodically court urban workers, support industrialization, expand labor movements (under state supervision), and support wage hikes and a minimum wage. He promoted soccer and the Carnival. 20 21 The Quintessential Populist? Juan Domingo Perón of Argentina, (1946-55; 1973-74) 1895-1974 22 1919-1951 Eva Duarte de Perón Eva Duarte (de Perón), known affectionately as “Evita” Poor upbringing, became star of radio and stage, helped get women the right to vote in 1947, charismatic, fervent supporter of her husband, died of ovarian cancer at age 32 23 Juan Perón in Power (1946-1955) Came to power in a military coup in 1946 He organized the “Labor Party” with himself at the helm to appeal to workers and his “descamisados” (the shirtless ones), promising higher wages and retirement/pension plans. After about ten years, he was forced out of power by the Argentine military (4,000 died during the coup) and went into exile in Spain. 24 Military Dictatorships in Argentina and Chile: Bureaucratic Authoritarianism Definition: Political authority is concentrated in a small group of politicians. Political stability is maintained by the armed forces. A return of the “order and stability” methods of the late 19th century. The result: dictatorships, substantial human rights abuses, and no open elections 25 Perón’s Return and Aftermath: Summary President Juan Perón (1972-74) and his wife, Vice President Isabel Martínez de Perón Modernizing Military Forces/“Dirty War” (1976-1983) Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo (los ‘desaparecidos’—the disappeared) Malvinas War (Falklands War), 1982 Raúl Alfonsín, 1983 (first democratically-elected president after fall of military government) 26 Modernizing the Armed Forces in the Southern Cone Military Academy cadets, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Professionalizing the military as a force for national consolidation and progress – External: Deter or defeat foreign invasion (contested borders – Internal: Defeat regional caudillos, suppress rebellions Conscription as a tool for national integration and civilizing mission Often foreign officers (French, German, U.S.) provide training 27 Professionalizing Armies: Prussian Military Influence 1866 Map Prussia (in blue) was a German area under the control of the Hohenzollern family for centuries. Large and powerful (especially during the reign of King Frederick the Great, 1740-1786), Prussian became known (in additional to its cultural accomplishments) for its military professionalism, boldness, use of advanced technology, and strict discipline. Political and military leaders in Chile, Argentina, and Brazil invited Prussian soldiers to train their respective militaries. (Germany unified in 1871.) 28 Juan Perón’s Return to Power (at age 77): (10/12/1973 – 7/1/1974) 1895-1974 Perón and his new spouse, Isabel Martínez de Perón 29 Violence. Strength of his supporters. Peron allowed to return to Argentina and elected president. Isabel Martínez de Perón (r. 1974-1976) Jorge Videla (r. 1976-1981) 1931- 1925-2013 Isabel, Perón’s new wife, was elected Vice President when he was elected president. 30 Juan Perón died after a few months in office and Isabel became president. Political and economic conditions deteriorated. Strikes. Demonstrations. Military took over in 1976 and Jorge Videla became “president.” Isabel went into exile in Spain. Military Dictatorship in Argentina: “The Dirty War” (1976-1983) 31 In 1977 the Argentine Commission for Human Rights blamed the regime for 2300 political murders, some 10,000 political arrests, and 20,000 to 30,000 “disappearances” (killed). 32 Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo Three of the fourteen mothers who founded the group were later “disappeared” by the military government. An estimated 500 children were born during their mother’s captivity (prior to be being killed) and adopted by military families. DNA analysis has more recently helped families identify these children and reunite them with their birth families. Born in Blood and Fire, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2016 W. W. Norton & Company 33 Falklands/Malvinas War, 1982 War started by Argentina’s military government. An attempt to stay in power? Malvinas occupied by Argentina in 1820s but taken by England in 1833. England defeats Argentina in 2 months. Disgraced Argentine military government collapses, leading to the return of democracy. 34 Argentine and British soldiers 35 36 Democracy Restored, 1983 Raúl Alfonsín He had opposed both leftists and the military dictatorship Elected president, 1983-1989 Argentina has been a democracy ever since 1927-2009 37 Only their names possibly in test from this slide Recent DemocraticallyElected Presidents of Argentina (1983-present) 38 We now turn our attention to Chile… 39 Chile after Independence More democratic than other L.A. countries Significant German, French, and Italian emigration to Chile in late 19th century Beat Peru and Bolivia during “War of the Pacific” (1879-1883) Developed a strong military before and after War of the Pacific by emulating Prussian military tactics. Invited Prussian officers to train Chilean cadets in modern military warfare. 1908-1973 Salvador Allende (r. 1970-1973) Upper class family, becomes medical doctor Popular politician who espoused peaceful and democratic transition to socialism Elected president of Chile in 1970 (in a 3-way race) with only 36.5% of total vote 41 An Aside: Q: Is it fair to elect a president that is not supported by most of the electorate? Allende received 36.5% of the vote (and then enacted socialist changes) In 2000, Albert Gore received 48.4% and George W. Bush received 47.9% (but Bush became president) In 2016, Hillary Clinton received 48% and Donald Trump received 46% (but Trump became president) Other, newer strategies: Chile and Brazil: A candidate must receive at least 50% of the vote, or an automatic second round between top 2 contenders Argentina: A candidate must receive at least 45% of vote (or 40% if the runner-up receives 10% less), or an automatic second round between top 2 contenders 42 Allende in power (cont’d) Allende’s supporters (the workers and nationalists) demand fast reforms—too fast, probably Allende nationalizes banks, telephone and electric companies The Chilean government recognizes Castro’s Cuba He nationalized lucrative copper mines owned by U.S. companies (Kennecott & Anaconda) U.S. President Nixon ends financial assistance, blocks loans to Chilean government, and increases aid to Chilean military. U.S. government encourages anti-Allende forces in Chilean government to overthrow the government. 43 General René Schneider (1913-1970) Allende Overthrown by Pinochet and the Chilean Military, 1973 Allende commits suicide in front of presidential palace during coup d'état 45 The CIA in Latin America 46 Augusto Pinochet (r. 1973-1990/98) U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and Augusto Pinochet 1915-2006 47 Henry Kissinger, U.S. Secretary of State (1973): “I don’t see why we need to stand by and watch a country go communist due to the irresponsibility of its people. The issues are much too important for the Chilean voters to be left to decide for themselves.” 1923-2023 48 So much for self-determination and democratically-elected governments… Pinochet Prevails: Leftists Like Miguel Enriquez Eliminated Physician, founder of Chile’s MIR (Movement of the Revolutionary Left), led resistance against Pinochet after coup, murdered by DINA on 10/5/1974 (1944-1974) 49 And thousands more “disappeared” 28,000 people (mostly high school and university students, leftist politicians, and labor leaders) arrested, imprisoned, or tortured. 1,248 to 3,000 killed (“disappeared”) 50 51 Chileans Protest the Disappearances of Loved Ones 52 Characteristics/Results of Pinochet Gov. Eradicate leftists Creation of a secret police force (DINA) Tens of thousands of Allende supporters fled the country Political freedoms and civil rights suspended Universities closed, then carefully monitored Strikes outlawed Martial Law (military assumes civil police functions) ‘Un-socialized’ the economy (returned lands, privatized companies) Adopted orthodox, free-market system (which seemed to work) Plebiscite vote in 1988 removed Pinochet from power 53 Plebiscite Vote, 1988: Vote “Yes” if you want Pinochet to continue or vote “No” The “no” vote was 56%. Pinochet forced to step down in 1990, though granted status as “Senator for Life” (which was later revoked). Presidential elections were held in 1989 and won by Patricio Aylwin. Notice the close plebiscite vote 54 Recent Democratically-Elected Presidents of Chile No names from this slide on test. The point: Chile has had a steady process of elected presidents since the end of the military dictatorship 55 Only their names possibly on test from this slide 56 Military Dictatorship in Brazil, 1964-1985: Quick Overview Military held power for 21 years Abolished political parties and then permitted the existence of 2 political parties: the government party (ARENA) and a (managed) opposition party (Movimento Democrático Brasileiro) “Technocrat” economic advisors were successful at reducing inflation and stimulating economic growth prior to 1980 (but hyper inflation from 1980-85) Some positive social successes – infant mortality dropped, life expectancy increased from 55 to 66, literacy rates improved, improved sanitation/indoor plumbing But… Became increasingly repressive, censured press, tortured dissidents, wire tapping, opening mail, monitoring university professors, punishing activists by suspending their political rights for 10 years Used anti-communist rhetoric to justify their actions Sparked the creation of more than a dozen guerilla groups – Participants were usually teenagers and in early 20s – Some were nationalists, others Marxist, and still others were Catholics committed to Catholic social teachings and even Brazil’s Catholic bishops who were shocked – Robbed banks, kidnapped prominent foreign (U.S., Swiss, German, Japanese) nationals After 1980, moderate voices in military succeeded in easing repression and planning a transition out of power (Source: Bakewell, pp. 159ff.) 57 No names from this slide on test. The point: Brazil has had a steady process of elected presidents since the end of the military dictatorship 58 No names from this slide on test. The point: Brazil has had a steady process of elected presidents since the end of the military dictatorship 59 Their names might be on the test 60