Lesson Plan | Lesson Plan Tradisional | America: U.S. and Its Influences in Latin America

Objectives

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

This stage aims to introduce learners to the topic of American intervention in Latin America, offering a broad overview of the key themes to be explored during the lesson. This will help set the scene for a more in-depth understanding of the subject matter.

Objectives Utama:

1. Describe the process of U.S. intervention in Latin America across political, economic, and cultural dimensions.

2. Identify key historical examples of American influence in the region.

3. Examine the ramifications of this intervention for Latin American nations.

Introduction

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

🎯 Purpose: This section is designed to introduce students to the topic of U.S. intervention in Latin America, offering an overview of the main elements that will be discussed during class. This will help them understand the context and prepare for a deeper exploration of the subject.

Did you know?

🧐 Curiosity: Did you know that many cultural products we enjoy daily—like films, music, and even fast food—come from the United States? This cultural sway is a prime example of how one nation can exert 'soft' power over others, influencing our consumption trends and preferences.

Contextualization

💡 Context: Make sure to explain to students that historically, the United States has had a notable impact on Latin America. This can be seen in various spheres including politics, trade, economy, and culture. The relationship between the U.S. and Latin America is intricate and multi-layered, and grasping this dynamic is crucial for understanding the historical, social, and economic evolution of the region.

Concepts

Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

🎯 Purpose: This section aims to deepen students' comprehension of U.S. intervention in Latin America across historical, political, economic, and cultural fields. By presenting detailed information, learners will be equipped to grasp the various layers of this influence and its outcomes for the region.

Relevant Topics

1. 📜 History of U.S. Intervention in Latin America: Discuss how and why the U.S. began to intervene in Latin American affairs. Highlight historical milestones like the Monroe Doctrine (1823), Theodore Roosevelt's Big Stick policy, and events from the Cold War.

2. 🏛️ Political Aspect: Elaborate on how the U.S. politically influenced Latin America, including support for military takeovers, direct interventions, and the encouragement of democracies that aligned with American interests.

3. 💰 Economic and Commercial Aspect: Talk about the economic influence the U.S. has in Latin America, including the establishment of free trade agreements, investment in infrastructure, and the policies of the IMF.

4. 🎶 Cultural Aspect: Consider the cultural impact of the U.S. on Latin America, touching on the spread of films, music, fashion, and other cultural outputs, as well as the promotion of the American lifestyle.

5. 🔍 Impacts and Consequences: Assess the consequences of these influences for Latin American nations—both beneficial and detrimental. Discuss issues of sovereignty, economic and cultural growth, social disparity, and political responses.

To Reinforce Learning

1. 1. What significant historical events marked the onset of U.S. intervention in Latin America?

2. 2. How did the Big Stick policy and the Monroe Doctrine shape the relationship between the U.S. and Latin American countries?

3. 3. What forms of American economic influence can be identified in Latin America today?

Feedback

Duration: (20 - 25 minutes)

🎯 Purpose: This segment is intended to consolidate the knowledge acquired by students, fostering their ability to reflect on the information shared and discuss the ramifications of U.S. involvement in Latin America. This will aid in solidifying their understanding and encourage critical thinking about the topic.

Diskusi Concepts

1. 1. Key Historical Events: The Monroe Doctrine (1823) marked a pivotal moment, asserting that Latin America was within the U.S. sphere of influence and should be free from European colonization efforts. Theodore Roosevelt's Big Stick policy further established U.S. presence through military actions to protect its interests. During the Cold War, interventions ramped up, often supporting military coups and fostering anti-communist regimes. 2. 2. Influence of the Big Stick Policy and the Monroe Doctrine: The Monroe Doctrine provided crucial justification for U.S. foreign policy in Latin America, asserting that any European intervention would be treated as a threat. In contrast, the Big Stick policy enabled the U.S. to intervene directly in Latin American matters to safeguard its interests, evident in the building of the Panama Canal and various military interventions. 3. 3. Current Economic Influence: The economic sway of the U.S. can be seen in free trade agreements like NAFTA and CAFTA-DR, which bolstered trade relations between countries. Moreover, substantial investments in infrastructure and IMF loan policies, often laden with conditions that favour U.S. interests, have had a profound impact on the economies of Latin American nations.

Engaging Students

1. 1. How do you believe the Monroe Doctrine still shapes U.S. foreign policy today? 2. 2. Can you recall any recent instances of U.S. intervention in a Latin American country? What were the implications for the region? 3. 3. What are the pros and cons of free trade agreements for Latin American countries? 4. 4. In what ways does American culture permeate our everyday lives in South Africa? Think of specific examples. 5. 5. How has U.S. intervention historically affected the sovereignty and economic growth of Latin American nations?

Conclusion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The aim of this section is to consolidate the learning experience, allowing students to revisit and reinforce the key points discussed throughout the lesson. This ensures they have a cohesive and clear grasp of the topic, aiding knowledge retention and future application.

Summary

["The Monroe Doctrine (1823) and Theodore Roosevelt's Big Stick policy as landmarks of U.S. intervention in Latin America.", 'The political influence exerted by the U.S., including backing military coups and promoting democracies that aligned with its own interests.', 'The economic and commercial presence of the U.S. through free trade agreements, infrastructure investments, and IMF lending practices.', 'The spread of American culture, encompassing films, music, and fast food, and its influence on the Latin American way of life.', 'The repercussions of this intervention for Latin American nations, impacting sovereignty, economic growth, and social inequality.']

Connection

The lesson linked theoretical concepts with real-world applications, demonstrating how specific policies and historical occurrences, like the Monroe Doctrine and Big Stick policy, had concrete impacts in Latin America. Political, economic, and cultural interventions were illustrated to show how these actions manifested in the daily lives of Latin Americans and how they continue to shape the region today.

Theme Relevance

Comprehending U.S. intervention in Latin America is essential for understanding the current dynamics of influence and power in the region. American culture is interwoven into our everyday existence, from the media we consume to overarching economic and commercial influences. This understanding is vital for contextualising current events and developing a critical perspective on international relations.