Century of U.S. Capitalism in Latin America

by Thomas F. O'Brien

Book Overview

This book addresses two issues basic to understanding modern Latin America: the role of American-owned businesses in the region and, of equal importance, the reaction of Latin Americans to foreign investment. Throughout the nineteenth century and up to the 1930s, American corporations stridently resisted local opposition as they secured what they wanted in Latin America, cheap labor, plentiful raw materials, and favorable business conditions. After...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0826319963
• ISBN13: 9780826319968
• Release Date: March 1999
• Publisher: University of New Mexico Press
• Length: 213 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.2" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Excellent study with unique thesis

O'Brien's book on US capitalism in Latin America is only about 180 pages, but, refreshingly, he doesn't waste a word. Essentially he traces how US corporations have functioned in Latin America, how they have sought to transform Latin Americans into consumers of American goods and Fordist style workers in an effort to create new markets. He argues that US companies have been more influential in the development of Latin America than the US government, and he makes a strong case. This book is essential for Latin Americanists in general and those interested in the relationship between US foreign policy and corporate interests abroad.