How the US supported military coups in Latin America in the 1960s | Featured Documentary

Chaos in Brazil and the Legacy of Intervention in Latin America

Key Concepts: Cold War, US Interventionism, Military Dictatorships, Operation Condor, Panama Canal Treaty, Nicaraguan Revolution, Social Justice, Political Upheaval, Latin American History.

I. The Storming of Brazil’s Capital & Historical Context

The video begins with the recent storming of Brazil’s capital by supporters of former President Bolsonaro, protesting the October elections. This event is framed within a broader historical context of instability in Latin America, described as cyclical – periods of devastation followed by rebuilding, only to be disrupted by new crises, likened to the aftermath of a hurricane. The series focuses on six countries – Brazil, Chile, Panama, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Colombia – examining the political upheavals that have characterized the continent, heavily influenced by the United States. The post-World War II era saw a constant oscillation between democratic movements and authoritarian rule across the region.

II. Brazil: The 1964 Coup & US Involvement

A pivotal case study is the 1964 coup in Brazil, which ousted the progressive President João Goulart. Goulart aimed for social justice and land reform, stating, “O governo reafirma seus propósitos inabaláveis de lutar com todas as suas forças pela reforma da sociedade brasileira.” (The government reaffirms its unwavering purposes to fight with all its forces for the reform of Brazilian society). This ambition, particularly land redistribution in a country dominated by latifundios (large estates), was perceived as a threat.

The US, under President Lyndon Johnson, viewed Goulart’s actions with alarm, fearing a communist takeover, especially in the context of the recent Cuban Revolution. Johnson explicitly discussed potential intervention, stating, “We just can't take this one and I'd get right on top of it and stick my neck out a little.” The US administration, traumatized by the Cuban Revolution – “The seizure of power by Fidel Castro in Cuba had traumatized the United States” – actively supported the Brazilian military, providing encouragement and potentially arms and ammunition to facilitate the coup. Johnson ordered US forces to be prepared to support the military if necessary. The coup leaders – Branco, Silva, and Medich – quickly became prominent figures. This coup served as a model for future authoritarian regimes in the region.

III. The Brutality of Military Dictatorship in Brazil

The establishment of Brazil’s military dictatorship was marked by systematic repression. A personal account details the horrific torture experienced by a political prisoner: “Eu perdi um pouco a noção do tempo… recebi choques elétricos na mão, fui pendurado no pau de arara… Você fica pendurado pelos pés e as mãos no ar… nos músculos e nos membros tão forte que come desmaia.” (I lost track of time… I received electric shocks on my hand, I was hung on the rack… You are hung by your feet and hands in the air… in the muscles and limbs so strongly that you start to faint). Elections were suspended, political parties were banned, and direct presidential elections were abolished.

IV. Chile: Allende, Socialism, and the 1973 Coup

The narrative then shifts to Chile and the presidency of Salvador Allende, the first socialist president to come to power through democratic means in 1970. Allende aimed for a “transición al socialismo” (transition to socialism), seeking a more egalitarian society where “90% of the people in Chile had nothing and 10% had everything.” His government’s policies, including nationalization and welcoming Cuban President Fidel Castro – described as the “Tayor Swift of CRS” – raised concerns in Washington.

The US, under President Nixon, actively worked to destabilize Allende’s government. Nixon orchestrated an “invisible blockade,” cutting off US credits and blocking loans from international institutions. He also encouraged the Chilean military to act, responding to General Medy’s concerns about Allende with, “Let me know how I can help.” The US feared Chile becoming a “mecca for insurgency.”

On September 11, 1973, a military coup led by Augusto Pinochet overthrew Allende. Allende’s final broadcast, stating, “La historia es nuestra y la hacen los pueblos. Pagaré con mi vida la lealtad del pueblo.” (History is ours and is made by the people. I will pay with my life for the loyalty of the people), is highlighted as a powerful moment of defiance. The coup resulted in widespread repression, imprisonment, and torture.

V. Operation Condor: A Network of Repression

Following the coup in Chile, Pinochet devised a plan to extend repression across Latin America. This led to the creation of “Operation Condor,” a coordinated effort between the intelligence agencies of Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. The plan, initiated by the Chilean Secret Police Chief, allowed security forces to operate within each other’s countries, targeting dissidents. The Uruguay representative proposed naming the operation “Condor,” after Chile’s national bird. By the end of the 1970s, Operation Condor was responsible for the murder, torture, and disappearance of thousands.

VI. The Assassination of Orlando Letelier & The Carter Response

The assassination of Orlando Letelier, a former Allende minister, in Washington D.C. in 1976, is presented as a stark example of Operation Condor’s reach. The bombing, described as a shock, demonstrated the dictatorial regimes’ willingness to operate beyond their borders. The event highlighted the danger faced by exiles.

The election of Jimmy Carter in 1976 brought a shift in US policy, promising a more moral approach to foreign relations. This created opportunities for countries like Panama to renegotiate unequal treaties.

VII. The Panama Canal Treaty & Torrijos’ Strategy

The video details the complex negotiations surrounding the Panama Canal Treaty. The US had controlled the canal and a surrounding zone for decades, effectively creating a colonial enclave within Panama. General Omar Torrijos, Panama’s leader, pursued a strategy of diplomacy, appealing to world leaders for support. He argued that the canal zone was a “humillación permanente para Panamá” (a permanent humiliation for Panama).

Carter was willing to return the canal and the zone to Panama, but insisted on maintaining some residual rights to protect the canal. Torrijos ultimately agreed to a 22-year transition period with continued US military bases. The treaty was a “victoria para todo el continente” (a victory for the entire continent).

VIII. Nicaragua: The Sandinista Revolution & US Opposition

The final segment focuses on Nicaragua and the Sandinista Revolution. The Somoza dictatorship, supported by the US for decades, was overthrown in 1979. The video highlights the devastating earthquake in Managua in 1972 and the Somoza regime’s corruption in handling aid, fueling popular discontent. The Sandinistas, initially receiving support from Cuba and utilizing weapons obtained through a circuitous route involving Soviet arms originally captured in Vietnam, ultimately prevailed.

Carter’s initial reluctance to prop up Somoza contrasted with the subsequent policy under Ronald Reagan, who actively opposed the Sandinista government. Reagan’s rhetoric signaled a return to Cold War interventionism. The video ends with a powerful image of Nicaraguans chanting, “patria libre” (free homeland).

This summary aims to provide a detailed and specific account of the video’s content, preserving the original language and technical precision. It highlights the key arguments, examples, and historical context presented, offering a comprehensive overview of the complex relationship between the US and Latin America during the Cold War era.