South American History

Does the name Che Guevarra ring a bell? Do you honestly know who Che Guevarra is? Probably most people would answer me that he's the guy in the picture of merchandises like clothes, hats, handkerchiefs and bags. A lot of people wear these stuff not because they love Che Guevarra and honor the things he did but because these apparels are trendy and hip. In fact, I was one of those who like to wear Che Guevarra stuff even though I don't know him exactly. One day, I decided to do my research and found out that he was an Argentinian revolutionary leader who desired to free his country from the dictatorship of Juan Peron. He was a patriotic man and one of the heroes in the history of Argentina. He is not simply a face in T-shirts. He is a freedom fighter.

When Ernesto "Che" Guevarra was twenty-three years old he decided to go on a trip with his friend, Alberto Granado to travel the vast region of Latin America. They lodged in only when there were people who would give them shelter and food. At that time, there were no convenient hotel reservations yet like today. Their trip led them to discover the poverties of each nation and Che became aware of the conditions of his fellowmen. This awakened his patriotism and a deep desire to help free his people. What began as a simple journey to visit and enjoy the country became a journey towards self-realization and awareness of the present social conditions. This rarely happens to rich kids like Che. Most heroes, as we know, came from the grassroots and the injustices experienced spurred them into action. The accounts and narration of the adventures of Che and his friend in their motorcycle, La Poderosa, was recorded in the book titled, "Motorcycle Diaries."

During the travels of Che Guevarra and his friend Alberto Granado, they came across a leper colony and helped their for awhile since they have medical expertise. I haven't actually read the novel but I've seen the movie which starred Gael Garcia Bernal. In the movie, there was a part there when Che swam all the way at the far end of the island towards the leprosy patients even though he had asthma. For him, crossing the river that separates the healthy doctors from the ill patients had conquered the division and marginalization that existed because of this setup. All throughout his stay in the leper colony, he wondered why these people had to be isolated from them. He had an awakening: the division exists not only in the leper colony but in Latin America as well. I hope rich people today are like Che.

I don't doubt that Mariscal Andres de Santa Cruz is one of the most influential and potent rulers of Bolivia, back in the post-colonial days. Bolivia gained independence from the Spanish conquistadors via the Bolivian War of Independence (named after the hero Simon Bolivar), beginning in the early 18th century. It took sixteen years of strife for the Bolivians to stand on their own feet and set up a republic. After this, come fruitful decades of prosperity as well as political instability.

So I go back to Mariscal Andres de Santa Cruz. This leader is a man of steel, as Bolivia fought on numerous major battles and won against neighboring Latin countries such as Peru and Chile through his leadership. According to historians, Santa Cruz has been betrayed by Peruvian and Chilean armies when he had established the Paucarpata Peace Treaty with them. The intention is to allow the defeated armies to go back home without taking their weapons away. After the rout, Bolivia suffered some sixty years of unstable politics.

A quick look on the map would reveal that Bolivia is entrenched between larger South American nations - and that it doesn't have immediate access to sea ports. In the middle of this crisis, the poor Latin country lost its wealth of Acre state and Antofagasta port. The Bolivians weren't living in the best economic condition despite the peak in the cost of silver in the market. Without Santa Cruz, Bolivia was crippled. It just goes to show how a national leader can make or break a country.

Chile is just one of the South American countries that became independent in the 19th century. Just like its neighboring countries, Chile had to fight for its freedom. In their case, it was the Spanish kingdom that colonized them. Although the natives have already established some sort of government systems in their respective tribes, the Spanish forces seemed unbeatable. For almost two and a half centuries the Quechua, Araucanian, and Incas fought hard for independence.

The Chilean country map reveals that it serves as boundary for South America. I guess this strategic position made it possible for foreign colonizers to enter into the country with no difficulties. While Spaniards almost established settlements in Chile, they were compelled to face the battle against the aggressive Araucanians. Spain is said to have been attracted by the fertile soils and pleasant climatic conditions of Chile.

On the other hand, it was the Spaniards who started mining in Chile. They made a lot of money out of it and amidst the wars, Chile was finally granted independence in 1810. Several delegations passed and Chile managed to have its own leader - President O'Higgins. Although the following years were chaotic and even resulted in the establishment of a military government, Chile has managed to keep its independence.

Just six years ago, the news broke that Brazil taught Chile of the itnerrogation techniques with the inclusion of torture. It was even reported that trainings were done in three camps in the Brazil. This, perhaps, is one of the most brutal and rebellious move made by Brazil. The said 'lessons' were given to Chilean policemen after General Pinochet won in the coup in 1973.

Who the heck would want to be interrogated and tortured? Besides, policemen would only be as beastly as they must be in order to execute such techniques. Very few are the reported cases of criminals that are being tortured in order to confess their crimes. Well, if the authorities are the ones doing it, they have the right and power to conceal their wrongdoings. It is apparent that torture is against human rights. This inhumane treatment was tested when policemen almost killed activists, brave Brazilian residents, that tried to voice-out their grievances over the Pinochet government.

The torturing method, according to some political analysts, was the method Pinochet used for people management. Maybe, he thought that through torturing, people will not rebel against his authoritarian government. I have seen the same scenario with other countries whose leader tried to use an iron fist to absolutely rule over the people. There seems to be a misunderstanding between the power and the executor. Brazil made a big mistake when it implemented torture. So, now, it faces accusations. I bet it will have a hard time defending its side.

I can not help but feel sad for the attitude of Venezuela towards US. I have been reading in the newspapers how the Venezuelan government despise Washington. What I was concerned about is not the economy or political stability of both countries, but the welfare of people. Needless to say, the South American nation is not happy with how President Bush is treating it.

According to the news, President Chavez of Venezuela is busy strengthening his government by promoting animosity over America. This, I supposed, is based on economic stands. Recently, Chavez has put to jail several Venezuelans whom he accused of rebellion or treason. There is one woman who was jailed for conspiracy simply because she took money from a grant offered by the American government. Literally, Chavez considers any one who supports US and its programs as enemies. This is non sense! I am reminded of the martial law proclaimed in the Philippines.

However, I guess that there is a reason behind this hostility displayed by President Chavez. It is known all over America that Venezuela is among the biggest reserves of oil in the world, and is one of the suppliers of its oil. This, I guess is the weapon of Venezuela. It can literally deprive US of oil if it desires to do so. It seems to me that President Chavez is playing a dangerous game.

Remember the 1996 movie Evita top billed by Madonna and Antonio Banderas. Madonna played Evita Peron born Maria Eva Duarte, the daughter of a poor farmer. Evita grew up to be an ambitious young woman who soon fulfilled her dreams of becoming an actress. Soon enough she became part of the high society circle of Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina.

In 1945, Evita met Juan Peron who was at that time the Minister of War of the country. They married that same year. Evita became influential in Peron's climb to the Presidency. She was very active in politics by establishing her own foundations which helped build schools and hospitals in depressed areas of Argentina. She was a strong advocate of democracy that was why she was admired by all the Argentines.

Evita's political life was short-lived but remarkable. Her short stint which was only four years, co-terminus with her husband has stirred admirations not only from her own country but also the rest of the world. In 1950, she was diagnosed to have the feared cancer disease and died the following year at the untimely age of 33.

Historians say that ancient civilizations flourished near rivers. The Tigris-Euphrates River hosted Summerian, Phoenician, and Mesopotamian civilization. The River Nile became the foundation of the Egyptian Civilization. The second largest river, the Amazon, can be found in South America so it is not a surprise that early civilizations thrived there. The Inca Empire was one of those. The empire was situated to what is now Peru and has flourished for 1430 up to 1533 AD.

The ruler of the Inca Empire was called the Sapa Inca, which means “the unique Inca.” Although the Incas were a conquering society, they peacefully incorporated the cultures of other regions in South America into their own. This is evident in their artistic creations. Their art revolved around architecture, pottery and textile. Aside from being conquerors, the Incas were also farmers and according to historians they cultivated an estimated 70 species of crops. Like the rest of the ancient civilization, the Incas were also polytheistic pagans. The Inca Empire was short-lived though. The last Sapa Inca, Atahualpa, was executed by the conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro. The twilight of the Incan civilization marked the dawn of the Spanish rule.

Cuba is perhaps most famous and world renown for two things: Cuban cigar and Fidel Castro. The two are also often times seen together, almost like Siamese twins. Cigar, beard and military uniform are the trademarks of Fidel Castro, the revolutionary.

Under Castro, Cuba was transformed into the first communist state in the Western Hemisphere. Fidel Castro led a revolution in July 26, 1959 which overthrew the dictatorial regime of Fulgencio Batista. After more than 46 years, Fidel Castro is still the undisputed leader of Cuba. He survived many assassination attempts, out-lasted many US presidents and even outlived the USSR.

One of the most revered heroes of South America is Simon Bolivar. He was born in 1783 and he belonged to a wealthy family in Caracas, Venezuela.

Simon was a blend of an idealist and a revolutionary. His education and his travels to other countries such as the United States inspired him to fight for the reformation and liberation of Venezuela from Spain. The liberation of his country comprised a series of wars which culminated in the Battle of Boyaca in August 1819.

Simon was known as "El Libertador" and was considered as the most powerful man during his time.