Agricultural exports and Latin American economic development, 1880-1930

Latin American Economy

Between years 1880 and 1930 the Latin American nations had an unprecedented amount of growth. Throughout Latin America, nations were increasing their revenue which led to stronger economies and consequently much stronger political structures and governmental support as well. This was largely due to the development of communication and the influence of American interests throughout the region. The increased levels of communication allowed more individuals to exchange products as well as ideas. With this, there was a larger groups of potential consumers for products and services, meaning a dramatic increase in revenues collected.

What are the basic characteristics of economic development in Latin America between 1880 and 1930?

Many Latin American nations utilize agriculture to support their economy. When lines of trade became more widely-spread, these agricultural products were able to be exported to Europe and to the United States of America as well. All the economic development in Latin America in the fifty year period between 1880 and 1930 stemmed from the exportation of agricultural staples such as sugar cane and bananas.

How did different countries of the region integrate into the world economy?

The integration of Latin American nations into the world economy was based upon their individual economic growth. The more products were able to be purchased by exporters, the faster the economy of each nation grew. As these outside countries became dependent on the Latin American nations for the desired product, the more importance was placed on the exporter nation.

How did this export oriented pattern of development affect social structures?

With the impact of political growth through economic strength, Latin American nations were opened up to the influences of the countries that the agricultural products were exported to. The industrial revolution and ever-increasing population in European and American nations led to an increasing demand for products. One particularly important change was in terms of racial delineation. Before the 1880s, many Latin American countries were heavily divided socially along lines of ethnic differentiation. This was not immediately modified after the influence of other nations became so prevalent, but the Latin American nations began to alter their stratification to mirror those of the western world, such as the Jim Crow laws of the American South.

Works Cited:

Andrews, George Reid. "Black Workers in the Export Years: Latin America, 1880-1930."

Pittsburgh, PA. 1997. Print.

Skidmore, Thomas E., and Peter H. Smith. Modern Latin America. New York: Oxford UP, 1984.

Print.