Latin America FAQs & Answers.

Latin America FAQs & Answers.

ANSWER

1. Manifest Destiny: Manifest Destiny was a 19th-century belief prevalent in the United States that asserted its destiny to expand across the North American continent. It was the idea that it was both justified and inevitable for Americans to spread westward, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, thereby settling and controlling the entire continent. This concept was used to justify territorial expansion, often at the expense of indigenous peoples and other nations. While it is not a formal policy today, some argue that the legacy of Manifest Destiny can still be seen in U.S. foreign and domestic policies, particularly in its approach to territorial acquisitions and its role in global affairs.
2. Difference between Latinos and Hispanics:
   • “Latino” and “Hispanic” are terms often used interchangeably to describe people of Latin American descent living in the United States. However, there is a subtle difference between the two terms.
   • “Latino” generally refers to people with Latin American ancestry, including those from countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
   • “Hispanic” refers to people who have a connection to Spain or Spanish-speaking countries. This term is based on language, and it includes people from Spain and Spanish-speaking Latin American countries.
   • It’s important to note that not all people of Latin American descent identify with these terms, and individual preferences for self-identification may vary.
3. Tecun Uman: Tecun Uman is a legendary figure in Mayan history and mythology. He is often considered a national hero in Guatemala. According to legend, Tecun Uman was a K’iche’ Maya leader who led his people in battle against the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado during the Spanish conquest of Guatemala in the early 16th century. Tecun Uman is remembered for his bravery in defending his homeland, even though he ultimately perished in the battle. His story has become an important symbol of resistance and cultural identity for the indigenous peoples of Guatemala.
4. Bracero Program: The Bracero Program was a series of agreements between the United States and Mexico that allowed Mexican laborers, known as “braceros,” to work temporarily in the U.S. agricultural sector during and after World War II. The program aimed to address labor shortages in the U.S. agricultural industry. It provided Mexican workers with employment opportunities in the U.S. while helping U.S. farmers meet their labor needs. The program faced criticism for exploitation and poor working conditions for braceros, as well as concerns about undercutting American labor wages. Ultimately, it ended in 1964 amid growing criticism and labor rights concerns.
5. U.S. Intervention in Latin America: U.S. intervention in Latin America refers to various political, economic, and military actions taken by the United States in the region throughout its history. These interventions have often been driven by economic interests, political ideologies, and Cold War dynamics. Some key examples include:
   • The Monroe Doctrine (1823): A U.S. policy that aimed to limit European influence in the Americas and assert American dominance in the region.
   • The United Fruit Company and Banana Republics: The U.S. was involved in supporting American corporations in countries like Guatemala and Honduras, often leading to political instability.
   • The Cuban Revolution (1959): The U.S. supported anti-Castro forces and imposed economic sanctions on Cuba.
   • Operation Condor: A covert U.S. program that supported right-wing governments in South America during the Cold War, often involving human rights abuses.
   • Nicaragua and the Contras: The U.S. supported anti-Sandinista rebel groups in Nicaragua in the 1980s.

U.S. intervention in Latin America has had a lasting impact on the region, shaping its political and economic landscape, and it remains a complex and controversial topic in the region’s history.

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