Latin Americanism

Latin Americanism refers to a socio-political and cultural ideology that emerged in Latin America, particularly during the early 20th century. It encompasses a set of ideas and principles that emphasize the unique identity, history, and challenges faced by the countries and peoples of Latin America. Latin Americanism seeks to promote regional unity, independence, and solidarity, often in response to historical colonialism, imperialism, and socio-economic inequalities.

Latin Americanism is rooted in opposition to external domination and influence, particularly by European powers and the United States. To counter this, it encourages solidarity and alliances among Latin American countries and with other regions of the Global South.

=History=

Latin Americanism has its origins in the independence movements of the 19th century, which aimed to liberate Latin American countries from Spanish and Portuguese colonial rule. Figures such as Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín fought for independence and envisioned a united and independent South America. The ideas of Simón Bolívar, known as Bolivarianism, played a significant role in shaping Latin Americanism. Bolívar advocated for a united South America, free from foreign intervention and based on principles of social justice and equality. His vision aimed to unite the newly independent nations into a confederation known as Gran Colombia.

During the early 20th century, cultural nationalism movements began to emerge in Latin America. Intellectuals and artists, such as Mexican muralist Diego Rivera and writers like José Vasconcelos and José Martí, emphasized the importance of indigenous and African cultural heritage and sought to promote a unique Latin American identity. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the concept of Pan-Americanism gained prominence. This ideology focused on establishing closer ties and cooperation among the countries of the Americas, including both North and South America. Pan-Americanism sought to foster economic, political, and cultural exchanges within the region, but it often faced challenges due to power imbalances and U.S. hegemony.

In the mid-20th century, Marxist and socialist movements gained influence in Latin America. Figures such as Fidel Castro in Cuba and Salvador Allende in Chile promoted socialist ideologies and called for regional solidarity against imperialism and capitalist exploitation. These movements contributed to the formation of a more radical strand of Latin Americanism. During the 1960s and 1970s, Latin American intellectuals and economists developed the theory of dependency, which critiqued the region's economic and political dependence on foreign powers. Dependency theory emphasized the exploitative nature of global capitalism and called for economic autonomy and regional integration as a means of overcoming underdevelopment and inequality.

In recent decades, Latin American countries have undertaken various efforts to promote regional integration and cooperation. Initiatives like the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA), and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) aim to strengthen political, economic, and social ties among Latin American nations.

=Relations=

Amigos

 * [[file:Bolivarism.png]] - El libertador! (The liberator!)
 * [[file:Chavismo.png]] - Hijo! (Son!)
 * [[file:Evita.png]] - Eva Perón fue una mujer increíble. (Eva was an incredible woman.)
 * [[file:Soc21.png]] - Mi aplicación moderna! (My modern application!)
 * [[file:Allende.png]] - Viva la Unidad Popular y Salvador Allende! (Long live the Popular Unity and Salvador Allende!)
 * [[file:Pop.png]] - El pueblo vencerá! (The people will overcome!)

Enemigos

 * [[file:Cball-US.png]] - Gringo!
 * [[file:USImp.png]] - Imperialista!
 * [[file:Pinochet.png]] - Como pudiste golpear a Allende! (How could you coup Allende!)
 * [[file:GWB.png]] - Bush, el diablo! (Bush, the devil!)