The Political History of Latin America: From Revolution to Intervention

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This video provides a comprehensive overview of the political history of Latin America, tracing its development from the colonial era through the Age of Revolutions to modern geopolitical challenges. It begins by establishing the four major causes of Latin American independence movements: social prejudice against Criollos, restrictive trade policies, inspiration from the American Revolution, and the distraction of European powers during the Napoleonic Wars. The narrative profiles key liberators like Toussaint L'Ouverture, Simón Bolívar, José de San Martin, and Miguel Hidalgo, explaining their specific roles in freeing nations across the Caribbean, South America, and Mexico. The video then critically examines the post-revolutionary reality, highlighting how independence often failed to bring social equity, as power merely shifted from Spanish-born Peninsulares to the wealthy Criollo elite. It explores the recurring theme of military dictatorships throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, discussing specific regimes in Nicaragua, Chile, Panama, and Haiti. A significant portion is dedicated to United States interventionism, detailing how policies like the Monroe Doctrine and Truman Doctrine influenced the region, often leading to U.S. support for authoritarian leaders in the name of anti-communism. Ideal for middle and high school social studies classrooms, this resource connects historical events to contemporary issues. It addresses complex topics such as the Cuban Revolution, the War on Drugs, and the history of U.S.-Mexico border policies (including the Bracero Program and DACA). By linking past colonial structures to current challenges like drug cartels and migration, the video helps students understand the deep historical roots of modern Latin American politics and international relations.