In the decades following World War II, Latin Americans increasingly attempted to build stronger, more independent nations through processes of reform or revolution. Yet these nationalist movements confronted significant obstacles. In the vast majority of cases, they ended in violent dictatorships. By the 1990s, it appeared as if these revolutionary and reformist movements had run their course. Throughout the region, most Latin American governments embraced neoliberalism and constricted forms of democracy. Yet recently, a number of leftists in Latin America have come to power promising radical change and greater protections of national sovereignty.
Discuss left-wing, nationalist movements in Latin America. Identify at least one factor that explains why these movements have been an important political force. Also explore a reason or reasons for the difficulties or shortcomings that these movements have faced. Your answer should include a discussion of relations between the United States and Latin America.
