Abstract The country of Ecuador has, over the past several years, seen its economy reach crisis level, resulting in the devaluation of its currency, the closing of many schools, a crisis in confidence by both Ecuadorans and people in many other countries and substantial political upheaval as the government has repeatedly ? and rapidly ? changed hands. The causes for the country's economic failure are complex and interlinking. This paper examines one of the most important causes - the country's exchange rate and the relationship between the its economic situation and the dollarization of the economy (the extensive use of the U.S. dollar alongside or instead of the domestic currency).
From the Paper "One possible solution to the country's economic problems (although this may only be a short-term one) is dollarization. In large measure because of the ways in which Ecuador's economy has been weakened through international banking policies (including those instituted by both the IMF and the World Bank), Ecuadorans have for several years sought refuge in the process of dollarization ? a move that was initially at least made out of desperation. The move to dollarization was made in part because of problems internal to Ecuador's economic situation and in part due to a domino effect common in Latin America in which problems in one country spill over to others. "
Tags: Latin, America, International, Monetary, Fund, IMF
Abstract This paper discusses that, after a two-month long oil strike, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is assuring voters and foreign investors that the Venezuelan economy is on track to rebound but economic; but, geopolitical indicators point to a prolonged aftershock for Venezuela and the region. The author points out that the country's overdependence on oil has overexposed the economy to the high volatility in oil prices and the resultant "booms and busts" of the oil industry cycle. The paper reveals another problem: Chavez' s handling of the strike risks tarnishing Venezuela's reputation as one of the regions more stable democracies.
From the Paper "Venezuela is also in the midst of a difficult restructuring of its foreign debt, which totals $23 billion, leaving it less flexibility in the use of its reserves. President Chavez stated at the end of March that the country would be able meet its $2 billion in foreign debt obligations in 2003 and stave off any defaults. An important component of the foreign debt refinancing is the country's intention to issue a voluntary bond swap. A credit default would jeopardize the security exchange and could trigger further defaults."
Abstract This paper discusses Mexico's economic history and traces its moves from an unstable to a stable economy. It first examines current facts about Mexico in general and thereafter offers information on the economy. The paper then discusses trade, policy changes and political stability.
From the Paper Mexico is a country that is not known for its economic stability, due to its constant political instability. Mexico is a country where, most of the population is either extremely rich or extremely poor. Mexico has started to develop a more stable economy recently, it started with Mexico joining NAFTA in 1994. This has caused Mexico to be one of the world's most rapidly growing economies.
Abstract The book "Barbarous Mexico" is Kenneth Turner's account of his visits to Mexico from 1908 to 1910. Turner examines many issues, including slavery and poverty, and the negative effects of these issues on the Mexican community during the years that Porifio Diaz ruled. The paper shows that Turner is blunt with his association of the squalid Mexican conditions to Diaz; his book is a successful effort to prove a solid foundation for his claims. The paper explains that it is Turner's contention that no man can rule an unwilling people without taking away the liberties of those people, therefore, it can be very easily understood what sort of government Diaz found necessary to establish in order to secure his power. The paper concludes that "Barbarous Mexico" is an important piece of literature because it represents a perspective from one segment of society that is often neglected.
From the Paper "Perhaps one of the most telling attributes of "Barbarous Mexico" is the close ties the United States had in the Diaz regime. In Turner's opinion, the United States was responsible for the prolonged abuse of slavery. In fact, Turner suggests that the United States was Diaz's largest monetary partners. The support Diaz received from foreign counties made Diaz's government international, according to Turner. Thus, foreign intervention in favor of the people was less likely. That fact alone, says Turner, was one of the most powerful forces that prevented the Mexican people from ever revolting against Diaz. (Turner 137) In addition, Turner illustrates that even though Mexico was becoming more modern under the leadership of Diaz, it still operated backward in regards to other Latin American countries. Turner explains that when it came to progressive moves relating to governments, Diaz was slow to change; however, when it came to opportunities for gaining capitol, he was quick to act."
Abstract This paper compares the two periods of rule which helped shape California's unique cultural identity. The writer explains that aspects about both of the Mexican and American periods should be looked at when comparing the Mexican and early American periods in Californian history. These aspects include Manifest Destiny, Mission and Rancho culture, the Gold Rush, the railroad boom and the oil boom.
From the Paper "Missions were an essential part of California's history. Before Mexican independence, the Franciscan missions endeavored to convert the native peoples to Christianity. However, the missions were considered temporary, as once the Native Americans were culturally assimilated, the work of the Church would be finished. Therefore, the aim of the missions was to eventually redistribute the lands and even offer some of them to converted Native peoples. This process of Mission redistribution was called secularization. After Mexican independence, the push to secularize all missions was intensified. Unfortunately, the Native people were not given the land or resources they were promised. Although Native peoples were equally as persecuted under American rule, there is no similarity between the Missions in Mexican California with later American periods of Californian history. Under American rule, California was an entirely secular state and by then, the missions had all been secularized."
Abstract This paper introduces and discusses the above book, a detailed account of Cuba's modern history, especially as it relates to race and politics on the Caribbean island. The paper begins with a short summary and commentary on the book, including research methods done by the author the author's theme, and the author of this paper's own reaction to the book. The paper shows that de la Fuente's conclusions are well-documented and show that while the races have attempted to mix together admirably in Cuba, there are still wide gaps between white, black and mulatto.
From the Paper "It is clear, while Cuban independence from Spain initially was a grand hope for an absolutely equal nation, that has not happened, and black children in Cuba face many of the same problems as black children in the United States. Even if they can get a good education, they may not be able to obtain a good job, simply because of their color. Bigotry is not supposed to exist, but it still does, and even Cuba, with her grand ideas of early nationalism is no exception. However, there are examples of Afro-Cubans who have altered politics, created change, and helped establish and modernize Cuba and Cuba's political outlook. The author's contention is not that blacks are much oppressed in Cuba, but that true equality between the races still does not exist."
Abstract This paper reviews "The Banana Men" (Lester Langley and Thomas Schoonover) which delivers an account of American involvement and goals of imperialism in Central America during the late 19th and early twentieth century. The book describes the operations of U.S. politicians seeking relief from the pre-depression era in the economy of Central America. The paper shows that highlighted in the tale of "The Banana Men" are the nations of Honduras and Nicaragua, including the struggles each nation experienced during the time. The paper looks at how the book explains how Langley and Schoonover elaborate on America's goals of imperialism in Central America during the early 1900s and focus on the plights of individuals affected by such actions. Much rebellion and violent political disruptions and battles occurred as a result of U.S. involvement and the actions of political dictators and mercenaries.
From the Paper "Lester Langley tells the story of the "Banana Men" through the eyes and ideas of many different people. The novel explores the mindset of fruit producing corporations in Central America, American entrepreneurs coming to Central America for prosperity and adventure and the autonomous Central American dictators that controlled the politics of the country. The work discusses the history and background of the countries Honduras and Nicaragua from the early 1880's to approximately 1930. The book does not elaborate on foreign affairs or American involvement of the politics of other Central American countries, perhaps limiting it's effectiveness in perspective. It does however reveal American interest in turning attention away from the receding economy within the borders of the U.S."
Abstract This paper begins by discussing the reasons for the recent increase in Dominicans searching refuge in the United States by examining political and socio-economic reasons for migration. It then looks at a history of this immigration trend and discusses the profile of the Dominican population within the U.S. It discusses their racial background, education, social and economic statures, religion and culture. It looks at the future prospects for this community and whether their migration has assisted Dominicans left behind. Includes graphs and tables.
From the Paper "In the 1960's and early 1970s, the Dominicans who traveled to the United States were mostly political refugees. Uncertain economic and political conditions prevailing in Haiti and Cuba in the 1980s and 1990s became the cause of waves of migration into the United States from these two nations, and the immigrants often used desperate means to get to their destination. Dominicans are the largest group of immigrants coming from any one Latin American or Caribbean country in three New England States ? Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. "
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of the Amazon Rain Forest destruction and how it is impacting the indigenous people who live there. The writer explores the forest, the ways that it is being destroyed and the direct and indirect negative impact the destruction has on the many tribes in the area.
From the Paper "The destruction of the Amazon Rain Forest has been well publicized, but the spotlight is not focused on the indigenous people who live there. With deforestation, fires, medicinal products being made out of plants from the area without the profits going to the tribes, and disease spreading like wildfires, there are many threats to the indigenous populations of the Amazon Rain Forest and the consequences of the current path will prove to be devastating."
A brief review of the book "Franciscan Beginnings in Early Colonial Peru" by Antonine Tibesar which provides an account of the Franciscans? role in converting the native population of Peru to Christianity.
916 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 0 sources, 2002, $ 32.95
Abstract This paper examines how Tibesar, basing his work on primary sources wherever possible, asserts that although the Franciscan Order was by no means the primary religious order in colonial Peru, the Franciscans successfully integrated the Indians into Spanish culture. The paper describes the contents of the book as well as the type of sources used.
From the Paper "The author constantly admits that there is a dearth of documentary materials written by religious persons of the sixteenth century. Rather, most documents were written by military personnel or conquistadors. Rather than become discouraged by this lack of source material, Tibesar works closely with the materials provided to him by the Franciscan Order in modern Peru. The focus for the book is specifically on the Franciscan Order, but by necessity Tibesar places the Order in social, political, and historical context in order to provide an accurate account of its role in sixteenth century Peru. Tibesar notes that the Franciscan Order contended with frequent clashes of interest with Spanish authorities, both religious and secular, in their attempts to convert the Indians. For the Franciscan, Christian spirituality and way of life were far more important than establishing organized bodies of governance in New Spain. Therefore, the friars basically remained true to their ideals of Christianity."
Abstract This paper discusses how the International Monetary Fund (IMF) developed the economic policies of Argentina in the 1990?s, at which time the lending policies seemed to be ideal for the nation. It examines how since this time, many economic experts have discovered many inherent flaws in these policies, which indicate the need for change. It analyzes how with Argentina's recent default and subsequent economic demise, the IMF has been forced to reconsider its current lending policies. It shows that while Argentina may serve as a model case to urge the IMF to adopt a policy that requires less conditions and more ownership by national policymakers, as long as the IMF has an interest in human conditions, its approach to lending will still have to be made according to economic rather than political criteria.
From the Paper "Under its lending policy, the IMF required Argentina to initiate a Structural Adjustment Program (SAP), which aimed to promote the balanced expansion of world trade through the stability of exchange rates, preventative measures against competitive devaluations, and efficient correction of payments problems (Graham, 2002).
Basically, the IMF ordered Argentina to increase exports and minimize imports. By increasing exports, a member state brings in external capital, which can be used to repay its debt (Mussa, 2002, p. 312). To do this, Argentina needed to attract foreign companies for exports. The IMF required that the nation eliminate any political legislation that would prevent foreign investment, such as labor unions and minimum wage laws."
Abstract This paper provides a brief analysis of Davies book in which he analyzes the economic and fiscal history of Peru. He focuses his study on the families of Arequipa, that the Spaniards founded in 1540 in Southwestern Peru. It looks at how they invested in agricultural lands so they could become a symbol of status in the society.
From the Paper "Geographically, the region of Peru that is written about in the book is different from the areas in the southern, northern and central regions as far as topography is concerned. The plot of this book focuses on the period starting from the early 1700's till the late 1700?s. However, after reading this book one feels that if it had been written around the eighteenth century it would have attracted greater attention since the inauguration of the general was responsible for many of the changes."
Abstract The Shining Path terrorist group launched a series of attacks in Peru, terrorizing the country for decades before they were beaten back in a 1990's crackdown. However, in March 2002, a car bomb attack near the United States embassy in Lima made Peruvian citizens recall their fears of terrorism. While the Shining Path has remained low-key for several years, the national and state government still recognize it as a terrorist organization. This paper takes a look at this group, including its history and leadership, structure and activities.
From the Paper "The Shining Path was defeated for many reasons. For one, there was a lack of support among large sectors of the population as the group used authoritarian methods against peasants, workers, and other sectors of the population (Rueter?s, 1998). In addition, its brutal military repression all but guaranteed its lack of success, and the group was opposed by grass-roots organizations. Finally, the vertical nature of the party structure led to international isolation. The group was doomed."
Abstract Between the years 1892 and 1954 Ellis Island was the veritable headquarters of immigration and naturalization district in the U.S. The island itself was first settled by Dutch colonists and called Oyster Island, for self-evident reasons. This paper will take a brief look at the immigration process through Ellis Island. To develop a better understanding of the immigration process, some of the incentives immigrants faced when deciding to leave their home countries will be brought to light and some of the experiences faced by individuals and their families will also be included as vignettes. In the final analysis it will be clear that Ellis Island, reflecting as it does much of America's immigration at large, has a bittersweet history.
Abstract In the Latino community, there are apparently a great many cultural values placed upon the gender of the individual, indicating that both men and women tend to conform to social norms if they act in a specific manner determined by their gender. This paper explores sexuality, men's roles and women's roles in order to help explore the cultural emphasis on gender.
