Module 1: Reasons for Migration
Lesson Objectives
Trainees will be able to:
Understand that the root causes of present day migration from Latin America can be traced back to colonization.
Identify how the imperialist relationship between the United States and Latin American countries creates and exacerbates economic and political issues that motivate migration.
Introduction
To understand the present-day conditions in Latin America that fuel migration, it is important to first take the time to connect the long and historical processes of colonialism and imperialism to this current reality. Latin America’s history of exploitation and forced labor has left the region both in political disarray and with insufficient resources to address the social and economic challenges that persist. In many ways, these challenges are also a result of the region’s tumultuous relationship with the Western world.
Colonization
Key Term: Colonialism refers to the establishing of control over a people and place, either by force or through migration and settlement.
Important Context: Beginning in the 15th and 16th centuries, Central and South America were colonized exclusively by Spain and Portugal, while parts of the Caribbean were colonized by France.
Colonialism in Latin America was characterized by paternalistic Western hegemony, where European powers asserted control over indigenous populations under the guise of guidance or protection.
This relationship of dominance laid the foundation for enduring poverty and inequality in the region. The legacy of forced labor, particularly impacting Black and Indigenous communities, perpetuated social disparities that persist to this day.
The economic and political context shaped by colonization not only facilitated the exploitation of Latin America's resources but also left the region vulnerable to external influence and intervention, particularly from imperialist powers.
Imperialism
Key Term: Imperialism refers to the policy or practice of extending the power and influence of a nation to another country by direct territorial acquisitions or by gaining indirect control over the political or economic life of other areas
Important Context: Though many Western powers have taken a keen interest in exploiting economic opportunities in the region, the relationship between the U.S. and Latin America has been particularly detrimental to the social development, economic growth, and political stability of the region.
Imperialist policies have further exacerbated the economic and political challenges facing Latin America. Through exploitative trade agreements, resource extraction, and land grabs, external powers have perpetuated economic dependency and hindered sustainable development efforts. The legacy of interventionism has fueled political instability and violence, contributing to the proliferation of transnational criminal organizations. Economic sanctions imposed by foreign powers have deepened poverty and exacerbated social inequalities, particularly affecting marginalized communities.
Since the early 19th century, the United States has positioned itself as an authority within the region. The Monroe Doctrine, articulated in 1823, asserted America's dominance in the Western Hemisphere and warned European powers against interference. However, it also laid the groundwork for U.S. intervention under the guise of protecting the region’s interests.
1901 political cartoon by J.S. Pughe showing Uncle Sam as a large rooster standing among several small free-ranging chicks labeled "Argentine Republic, Guatemala, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Salvador, Peru, [and] Hayti [sic]"; confined to a "European Coop" labeled "Monroe Doctrine" are five roosters labeled "Russia, England, France, Germany, [and] Italy."
During the Cold War, the U.S. justified intervention in Latin America as a means to combat the spread of communism, often supporting authoritarian regimes in the region. Beneath the rhetoric of “protecting our backyard,” the true motivation was often to secure economic control through practices like resource exploitation and favorable trade agreements, perpetuating a cycle of dependency and instability in many Latin American countries.
Reflection Questions:
Why is it important for advocates and policy makers to recognize and understand these historical legacies?
What role does the United States play in creating the current condition of Latin American societies and economies?
Given that role, what is the U.S.’ responsibility to respond to the migration that happens as a result of these historical processes?