Question

Which statement best summarizes U.S. actions in Central and South America during the Cold War?

A.The United States compromised with left-leaning governments to weaken Soviet influence.
B.The United States became highly popular in the region for defeating brutal dictators. C.The United States supported nondemocratic governments if they opposed communism.
D.The United States forced poor countries in the region to engage in an expensive arms race.

Answer 1

Answer: The correct answer is : C. The United States supported nondemocratic governments if they opposed communism.

Explanation: During the Cold War, Latin America was a battlefield and a very desirable territory among the great powers of the world. In 1954 President Eisenhower said that the United States not only did business in Latin America but was also fighting a war against communism.

Answer 2

Answer: C.The United States supported nondemocratic governments if they opposed communism.

The Cold War was particularly important in Latin America. The efforts of the United States to "contain" the Soviet power meant that the government was committed to help anyone they believed to be fighting communism, no matter how oppressive or undemocratic that regime was. This gave rise to dictatorships all over Latin America, all supported by the US. Some important examples are those of Guatemala, Cuba, Chile, Venezuela, Paraguay, Argentina and the Dominican Republic.