South America 1914 CE

What is happening in South America in 1914CE

Political developments

During the past decades, military dictatorships, factional strife, civil wars (such as the ‘War of the Pacific’ between Chile on the one hand, and Peru and Bolivia on the other) and growing inequality have all hampered South American countries from fulfilling their potential. This is by no means the whole picture, however. In Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil there are moves towards more democracy; in Brazil’s case, the country has exiled its emperor (1891) and become a federal republic with a constitution modeled on that of the USA.

Economic expansion

The late 19^th century and early 20^th century were years of strong economic expansion for Brazil, Argentina and Chile. The development of steamships and refrigeration has opened up European markets to the cattle ranchers of the Argentine Pampas, and Chile has enjoyed a nitrate boom since the 1860’s (this brought it to war with its neighbors, the ‘War of the Pacific’, which Chile won). All three countries have attracted heavy investment from Europe (above all Britain) and, later, the USA.

Argentina

Argentina in particular continues to attract mass immigration: over two million Italians, Spaniards and other Europeans (including a Welsh colony) settle in the country to participate in its new prosperity.

Next map, South America in 1960

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