Latin+American+Notes

**LATIN AMERICAN NOTES - Sorry, I didn't download the pictures!** I. Government A. Mostly all free countries in LA except Cuba 1. Cuba a. Controlled by Fidel Castro b. Communism – government owns and controls everything 1. Everyone has everything in common (share) 2. Karl Marx “invented” the theory - late 1800s 3. Reality is the government gets rich and the people are poor - government provides for your needs (shelter and food) II. Many people are poor in LA A. Governments corrupt B. People are not educated – can’t run a democracy with uneducated people C. History of LA governments 1. Founded by Spanish and Portuguese men that wanted gold and glory 2. US mostly founded by families that wanted freedom 3. Freedom is fragile and hard to balance - chaos, freedom, dictator D. Poverty cycle big problem in LA 1. Grandpa poor – Dad poor – kids poor – etc. 2. Caused by lack of education and/or corrupt governments 3. Sometimes caused by people blaming “others” for their problems 4. Drains the economy of countries 5. Poor aren’t working or not getting paid enough (need education) 6. Cycle continues for generations III. Colombia A. In poverty cycle 1. Poor join drug cartel 2. Don’t know how to do anything else B. Drug Cartel are the terrorists in Colombia 1. Recruit 8-12 year olds – get them young and uneducated 2. The drug cartel has taken over ½ the country 3. Trying to overthrow the government 4. Attack country side and poor city areas 5. Kidnap and hold people for ransom 6. US drug addiction supports the terrorists 7. Cartel doesn’t share money or power with kids fighting for them 8. Cartel believes in communism IV. Landlocked Countries A. Countries that don’t border the ocean 1. Usually have economical problems 2. Problems a. Trade 1. More expensive to export and import 2. Depend on neighbors to transport goods 3. Higher transportation costs b. Expensive to guard the borders c. No navy