South America 1960 CE

What is happening in South America in 1960CE

Neutrality and boom times

The recent decades have seen most South American countries stand aloof from the great events of the 20th century. Most remained neutral during World War 1, and played little part in World War 2. The immediate post-World War 1 period was a boom time, as the demand for consumer goods in Europe and America fueled exports. The notable exception to this was Chile, where the nitrate boom came to a sudden end, leading to severe economic contraction.

Economic and political instability

The sharp economic downturn of the 1930s hit South American countries hard. This led to the rise of populist figures like Colonel Peron in Argentina (president 1946-55, his popularity bolstered by that of his wife, Eva), and in many other countries, dictatorships. Some of these, like Brazil’s, presided over economic recovery; others, in Peru and Colombia for example, were unable to establish political stability and the conditions in which the economic and social problems they faced could be dealt with properly. Uruguay has stood out as a country admired throughout the world for its democracy and prosperity.

Next map, South America in 2005

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World War I

Between the Wars

World War II