1930–1960 History of South America

the great depression posed challenge region. collapse of world economy meant demand raw materials drastically declined, undermining many of economies of south america.

the brazilian minas geraes class kindled argentine–brazilian–chilean naval arms race

intellectuals , government leaders in south america turned backs on older economic policies , turned toward import substitution industrialization. goal create self-sufficient economies, have own industrial sectors , large middle classes , immune ups , downs of global economy. despite potential threats united states commercial interests, roosevelt administration (1933–1945) understood united states not wholly oppose import substitution. roosevelt implemented neighbour policy , allowed nationalization of american companies in south america. second world war brought united states , latin american nations together.

the history of south america during world war ii important because of significant economic, political, , military changes occurred throughout of region result of war. in order better protect panama canal, combat axis influence, , optimize production of goods war effort, united states through lend-lease , similar programs expanded interests in latin america, resulting in large-scale modernization , major economic boost countries participated.

strategically, brazil of great importance because of having closest point in americas africa allies actively engaged in fighting germans , italians. axis, southern cone nations of argentina , chile found of south american support, , utilised fullest interfering internal affairs, conducting espionage, , distributing propaganda.

brazil country send expeditionary force european theatre; however, several countries had skirmishes german u-boats , cruisers in caribbean , south atlantic. mexico sent fighter squadron of 300 volunteers pacific, escuadrón 201 known aztec eagles ( aguilas aztecas).

the brazilian active participation on battle field in europe divined after casablanca conference. president of u.s., franklin d. roosevelt on way morocco met president of brazil, getulio vargas, in natal, rio grande norte, meeting known potenji river conference, , defined creation of brazilian expeditionary force.