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The destabilizations of the United States of America on the continent

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The destabilizations of the United States of America on the continent

We are beginning to get used to it, a government is radically changing, a mass of protest is emerging, and the White House is welcoming the arrival of a new person in power to pronounce democracy. This scenario is repeated from the second half of the 20th century to today, but a question arises, until when? until when will Latin and South American countries cease to be under the yoke of the great powers? Long perceived as a laboratory of capitalism, it is nevertheless true that some South American states have historically had to ally themselves with powers that are enemies of the United States by force alone.  However, all the countries of this continent, which has enough resources to be self-sufficient, are constantly suffering destabilization when they refuse to be in Uncle Sam's economic interests.

I will therefore give you a brief history of the firsts coups d'etats orchestrated by the United States across the continent.

Firstly I’m goin to speak about the Guatemala . Since the early twentieth century, Guatemala has been governed by a dictatorial power based on a tripartite alliance between the clergy, the army, and the large landowners. The country's main economic agent is the United Fruit Company.  This North American company has a real economic and financial empire that carries out most of its activity in the banana agro-industry. Its development favours a high concentration of land to the detriment of the small producer.

In 1944 While Europe is occupied by the Nazis, the middle and working classes of Guatemala  rebel against their frozen society despite their economic rise. On June 30, 1944, professors, supported by students and workers demonstrated demanding a wage increase. 200 dead bodies will be littering the streets.

Unable to restore order, Jorge Ubico fled abroad. It was replaced by an ephemeral military triumvirate which, in October, was overthrown by a group of young nationalist officers. A provisional government is appointed. It organizes democratic elections. Driven by a broad coalition and 84% of the votes cast, Juan José Arévalo was appointed president. This marked the beginning of a period of reform that was unique in the country's history. The "Guatemalan Spring" will last ten years. He'll end up in a bloodbath,

In these reforms we will find:

 the abolition of the lei fruga: which allowed landowners to slaughter farm labourers who leave haciendas without authorization. It also promulgates a Labour Code that grants employees unprecedented rights: a 44-hour working week, the right to organise themselves into trade unions, equal pay for men and women. While abolishing racial discrimination and implementing an education plan. During his term, more books will be printed and imported than during the 50 years of military dictatorship.

Succeeded by Jacobo Arbenz Guzmán, who continued his reforms and put in place a Family Code and the foundations of a social security system that included coverage for accidents at work and maternity. It presents the agrarian reform law, expropriates 603,615 hectares of latifundios to redistribute to 100,000 landless peasant families.

However, the united fruits, the right-wing opposition and members of the US government, denounce these Marxist measures, and a communist state. While the country's communist party never had the ambition to take power and these reforms were only socialist, Dwight Eisenhower launched the PB success operation with members of his cabinet and the American ambassador from Guatemala, starting by isolating President Arbenz within international bodies... The Panama Canal area is transformed into a warehouse of weapons and ammunition which are gradually distributed to transfuges from the Guatemalan army in exile. The Guatemalan clergy will have as its mission the psychological preparation of the population, a pastoral letter of April 9, 1954 calls for a popular uprising against God's enemies.

On 17 June 1954, 180 mercenaries crossed the Honduran border.  A series of aerial bombardments and leaflet dispersals spread terror. Most of the aircraft are operated by North Americans.

 The clandestine radio station "Liberator" is broadcasting false news: several thousand men are reported to be marching on the capital. The military refused to carry out the order to distribute weapons to hastily formed workers and peasant militias. This coordination between the United Fruits, the CIA, right-wing opponents and the clergy will confuse Arbenz and force him into exile in Mexico. The trade unions will be considered outlawed, and 8,000 peasant trade unionists murdered in the first months following the coup. This will be the beginning of more than 40 years of terror for Guatemala. In 1966 the United States formed Guatemalan soldiers who would later be known as the death squads.

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