Latin America and Caribbean

Running Head: LATIN AMERICAN HISTORY
Latin American History
Name of the student
Name of the University
Author note

LATIN AMERICAN HISTORY1
Chapter 5
1.) According to Eakin, politically the story in Latin America is more
complicated. What does he mean by this statement? (219)
As per the perspective of Eakin, when he had highlighted the aspect of complication
existing in the political sphere of Latin American history, his hints were towards the disorders
that were dominant in the history of Latin America in the period following the independence.
The complexities also ranged from the politics that has been dominated by the conservative
ideals (Eakin).
2.) Define positivism, and explain how it relates to science and “technocrats.” (222)
Positivism refers to the social thoughts of the 19th century America where there has
been a glorification of the scientific knowledge and the rejection of the traditional ideals.
According to the belief, humanity has been placed over the traditional views. The approach of
the positivism was very elitist in its approach, where the proposition to run the state was
ascribed with the group of people scientifically backed known as the ‘technocrats’ (Eakin).
3.) Compare and contrast the liberal Mexican presidencies of Benito Juarez and
Porfirio Diaz. If they both had similar political philosophies, why is one considered a
hero and the other a villain? (223-226)
The president of Mexico, during his realm had brought about the period of reform. As
such the period is also marked by the factors of the civil wars. However, the footstep of the
Juarez was followed by the liberals gaining their control over the political scenario of the
country. His contribution can also be noted in the unification of the liberals. Porfirio Diaz,
followed the steps of Bentio, used the methods of repression and force in order to reinforce a

LATIN AMERICAN HISTORY2
sense of national unity as well as stability in terms of the politics. His approach resulted in the
diminishing in concern for the security of the people in terms of the economy and social
(Eakin).
4.) Briefly describe the concept of “outward-oriented growth,” and explain its
relation to various Latin American countries. (226-227)
In the view of the certain economists from the Latin America is that there has been a shift in
the economic sphere where Mexico had taken up the model of the outward oriented growth.
The emphasize is placed upon the export of products to the European countries as well as in
the united states as the accelerating point of the economic development (Eakin).
5.) Identify and explain the significance of the terms “banana republic,” and
“underdeveloped nations.” (228)
A railway in Costa Rica had been constructed with the aim of transporting bananas to the
land of New Orleans. As such the influence of the companies involved in the trade of banana
to influence the politics imbibed in certain small scale economy gave rise to the term of the
Banana Republic (Eakin).
6.) Eakin states that capitalism may be the problem in Latin America, but it also
could be the solution. What do you think? (229-230)
The view in the favor and in the against of the capitalism, the factor has been seen as
the integrating factor behind the slowing down of the economic development in the country.
The problem of the ideals of capitalism has been seen the obstacle that it had created by the
virtue of its structure. The disadvantage was also created by the entry of the country into the
international economy (Eakin).