0 pts] Summarizer Prompt: Was U.S.economic imperialism more beneficial or more harmful to Latin American people and nations? rections: Answer the prompt in one paragraph The paragraph response must include the following: Background information about previous and recent imperialism in Latin America 1-2 sentences) Thesis statement (claim 8 at least one supporting argument) 1-2 sentences) 2 pieces of evidence supporting your thesis (at least 1 must be from a political cartoon). 1-2 sentences each Explanations of HOW each piece of evidence supports your thesis 1-2 sentences each) __

European powers colonized Latin America for centuries, extracting resources and controlling political systems; this pattern continued into the 20th century with U.S. economic imperialism, which, while sometimes offering superficial benefits, ultimately proved more harmful to Latin American people and nations. U.S. intervention, often disguised as economic development, frequently destabilized Latin American governments and economies, hindering true self-determination and perpetuating cycles of dependency. For example, the United Fruit Company's influence in countries like Guatemala, depicted in political cartoons showing the company as a giant octopus with tentacles wrapped around government buildings and resources, demonstrates how U.S. corporations prioritized profit over the well-being of local populations. This directly led to the exploitation of workers and the suppression of democratic movements, as seen in the 1954 Guatemalan coup d'état, orchestrated by the CIA to protect United Fruit's interests. Furthermore, the implementation of neoliberal policies, like structural adjustment programs enforced by the International Monetary Fund (often under U.S. influence), exacerbated poverty and inequality in many Latin American nations by prioritizing debt repayment over social programs and infrastructure development. These policies, while presented as necessary for economic growth, often resulted in the privatization of essential services and further enriched foreign investors at the expense of local communities.<br />