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Name Hinal Patel Journal #3 – American Involvement in Latin America & Domestic Climate During WWII Take copious notes on these film clips and readings . Then, give thoughtful responses to the following questions for each film/reading selection. For each question, bring in analysis from our weekly readings. “The Storm that Swept Mexico” – first 15 min 1. What are the “two Mexico’s”? Two mexico’s were the result of the social process of the Mexican revolution. Northern Mexico and central to southern Mexico share some similarities although there are many more differences such as class differences as well as the ideology and appearances resulting from the exploitation of Indians and racism has a huge impact on Mexico. Many of the widespread ideology and differences are contributing to the idea of “two Mexico” 2. Porfirio Diaz Porfirio Diaz was a president who ruled Mexico for more than 30 years with an “iron wrist” emphasizing that he was a dictator, some believe he was belovant father and others thought he was the man who sold Mexico to the foreigners through allowing in investors to increase the economy but this also consequently gave us gaming their investing and exerting their power throughout the mexico . He is also of the lighter complexion and follows European style of clothing not only that but also favored European rules and policies which gives a perspective of his class consciousness and racial categorizing ideas. 3. What do the cientificos think is Mexico’s biggest problem? Porfirio Diaz surrounded himself around cientificos who were a group of technocrats. They control much of the nation's wealth and are classified in the system. They did not specifically care about anyone who is not their same status. Cientificos played an important role in steering up the system as well as the economic policies in Mexico by opening up connections to other nations. They believed the biggest problem mexico were facing was the indigenous population therefore forces them out 4. Who did Mexico look toward for artistic influence during the Porfiriato During the Porfiriato era, which spanned the time Porfirio Diaz was in power in Mexico, the country looked to Europe for inspiration in art and expression. Diaz held elitist views and believed that Europeans were more modern, civilized, and accomplished than the indigenous people of Mexico which also stems from his 1

racial perspective as well. As a result, he sought to modernize and civilize the nation by promoting industrialization and investing in infrastructure. This led to European artistic styles and influences shaping Mexico's architecture, fashion, and even social policies. Even after the Mexican Revolution, European styles of building, gargoyles, clothing, and cultural practices continued to be embraced in Mexico. 5. What are haciendas , and what control did they have in the economy Haciendas is a large estate that plays a significant role in the economy and society of mexico. Haciendas served as labor systems and relied on people of indigenous and Mexican descent to be working on these lands. The working conditions were often harsh and abused through the hands of the landowner and faced exploitation and injustice within the system. Although Haciendas were presented as an education and shelter that can compensate for the labor provided, most of these lands were stolen. The big estates were controlled by a small number of wealthy landowners which contributed to the economy of Mexico, however since the only number of people controlling big lands the wealth is not distributed among the general population and even used for the government. 6. Describe the working conditions of the Mexican rural poor Working conditions for those who were working in the haciendas were often faced with harsh and brutal conditions that involved oppression and abuse. Many of the workers were compelled to work endless hours, facing inhumane treatment as if they were animals rather than humans. usually they were not given any time for their own selves, they were forced to work similarly to the black code in america. These abuses were being justified against the Spanish authority 7. How did the working conditions of many Mexicans reflect what we have discussed about the Black codes, American slavery, and immigrants working in the U.S. Many of the working conditions faced by Americans in haciendas are a mirror image of the oppressive system observed in the black code in america. In both America and Mexico the exploitative nature of labor was being enforced and forced people to work endless hours, minimal wages and used punishments such as beating with a whip, physical abuse and mental abuse as a form to keep them in the oppressive side. The living condition in those who experienced the American slave where they were forced to live in an area with more population than it can fit additionally without the basic life amenities such as water and toilet which is similar to what their living condition in Mexico was as well. reflecting on how both American oppression on Black people and the Mexican oppression on the indigenous population were a way to dehumanize and cruelty injustice in which wealthy and superior races or in class manipulated and exploited the poor. 8. Taft’s Dollar Diplomacy in Latin America 2

The United States had an important hand while investing in Mexico, particularly in railroads, agriculture and petroleum. Many American landowners in Mexico were vocal about implementing measures and policies to protect their investments. During Taft's presidency, Dollar Diplomacy was introduced with the goal of promoting economic development in Latin America. However, in reality, the practical implementation of this policy primarily served the interests of American companies, aiming to generate profits within these Latin American nations. Along with this the global financial crisis had the most impact was ensured by Mexicans due to their job losses and economic downturn led to the challenging situation for the working class. This also gave rise to the tensions between US and Mexico relationship. 9. Importance of the strike in Cananea, Mexico The strike in Cananea, Mexico played an important role historically. Firstly it emerged to the responses of exploited working conditions and manager wages in the mining industry. There was a large wage gap between the US workers and the Mexican workers, with the US workers being paid up to twice as much, consequently upsetting the Mexican workers which made them go on the strike to demand for equal pay and rights. This contributed to the broader social and political discontent that fueled the revolutionary movement in mexico. “Harvest of Empire” 10. What are some of the reasons that so many Latin Americans migrate(d) to the United States? The migration of many Latin Americans to the United States was a result of the complexion of push and pull factors. The "push factors" encompass issues like resource scarcity, oppressive governance, and challenging living conditions in their countries of origin. The idea of the "American dream" and the prospects of improved opportunities act as significant "pull factors." for these latin American migrants. However these push factors reveal a greater picture because if we take Puerto Ricans for example, they faced unequal treatments, and racial issues that not only affected them that time but currently as well. The alluring of “better life” in the US is fraught with challenges because of the immigration policies but also from the stereotypes of non-whites that infused how they are represented and treated in America. American Companies and businesses have often taken advantage of latin american countries in terms of exploiting people by paying low wages and unreal benefits and these were the exploitation these latin american countries were trying to get away from and to seek better opportunity by migrating. 11. Guatemala – why would the U.S. want to overthrow the Arbenz government? What threat did he pose? The US wants to overthrow the Arbenz government in Guatemala because they were progressive and were implementing a goal to reduce widespread poverty; they perceive him as a threat due to his land reforms. The Arbenz government 3

was aiming to redistribute the land that the American business and companies own to provide land resources and more jobs. Especially the United fruit company which held a large amount of land in guatemala. 12. Where do the indigenous and Maya-descended people fit into the social structure of Guatemala? What parallels can you draw for how they were treated, to how groups in the U.S. have been treated? Throughout Guatemala's history, indigenous and Maya-descended individuals have been subjected to discrimination and marginalization within their society. They have frequently been confined to lower socioeconomic statuses, deprived of educational and employment opportunities, and confronted with systematic inequalities. These experiences pose similarities to those of marginalized groups in the United States, such as African Americans and Native Americans. One of the many injustices were the Native American in the US were murdered and forced off their land which is exactly what happens to the indigenous and maya descended people in Guatemala, they were forced out of their land to the outskirts into the forest. This reflected the dehumanization of these populations in society. 13. El Salvador – What are some things that happened to the citizens deemed “the enemy” in the country? I n El Salvador,During a period of conflict anyone who opposed US foreign policy was considered "the enemy." This included individuals who had no involvement or opinion on US foreign policy. Many innocent people, children and women were targeted and killed. Entire villages were destroyed, and people were subjected to rape, beatings, torture, and murder. The violence and persecution led to forced displacement, as people were finding a way to escape the dangers associated with being labeled as "enemies." Many became refugees in other countries or internally displaced within El Salvador. Additionally to control the population and the narrative the government also adopted tactics to silence opposition voices through censorship. This included restricting the media and targeting activists, intellectuals, and anyone expressing different views. 14. Who is Bishop Romero? What was his platform and what happened to him because of it? Bishop Romero was a Catholic bishop who was known for the position of respect and authority in the church. He influenced his platform to advocate for the rights and concerns of salvadoran people against social injustice, human rights and poverty. He strongly opposed the government and the military’s violence on the people and human right abuse of such a brutal and cruel suffering, Due to his outspoken criticism of the government and his support for the oppressed, Romero became a target of powerful forces opposed to his message and consequently was assassinated by a gunman most of the people believe this was carried out by the salvadoran military as a political motive. His dealth marked a 4

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