Question

Why did Latin American nations develop an industrial base during the 19th century? a) To compete with European powers b) To promote agriculture c) To enhance cultural traditions d) To maintain colonial status

Answer 1

Latin American nations developed an industrial base during the 19th century primarily to compete with European powers. This was done by importing machinery and developing facilities for industrial production, like sugar refining and coffee processing, despite their limited success due to uneven competition and other constraints.

Step-by-step explanation:

Latin American nations developed an industrial base during the 19th century primarily in order to compete with European powers, rather than promoting agriculture, enhancing cultural traditions or maintaining colonial status. This strategic move was made by observing the industrialization of the United States and European nations.

Despite the obstacles they faced, such as a lack of natural resources and the inability to match the advanced technology of their foreign competitors, Latin American countries began importing machinery and developing facilities to refine sugar and process coffee. They also established steamship lines, coal mines, sawmills and flour mills and began the construction of rail lines, among other infrastructural developments.

However, the transition to industrialization was not entirely successful. Latin American nations found that they were more successful producing raw materials, such as sugar, coffee and later, rubber, for the industrialized nations than trying to compete with them in manufacturing.

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