The Political Economy of Central America since 1920: 63 (Cambridge Latin American Studies, Series Number 63) - Softcover

Bulmer-Thomas, Victor

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521348390 ISBN 13: 9780521348393

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2010

Synopsis

In this book Victor Bulmer-Thomas uses his previously unpublished estimates of the national accounts to explore economic and social development in the five Central American republics from 1920. He examines in detail variations in economic policy between countries which help to account for differences in performance. The major political developments are woven into the analysis and linked to changes in internal and external conditions. Growth under liberal oligarchic rule in the 1920s, heavily dependent on exports of coffee and bananas, was accompanied by modest reform programmes. The 1929 depression, which hit the region hard, undermined most of the reforms and ushered in a period of dictatorial rule in all republics except Costa Rica. The Second World War, particularly after the entry of the United States, at first strengthened the dictatorships, but ultimately produced challenges to rule by authoritarian caudillos. The social upheavals accompanying the post-war export-led boom forced governments in each republic to address the question of economic, social and political reform.

About this title

Book Description:

In this book Victor Bulmer-Thomas uses his previously unpublished estimates of the national accounts to explore economic and social development in the five Central American republics from 1920. The social upheavals accompanying the post-war export-led boom forced governments in each republic to address the question of economic, social and political reform.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0521348390
• ISBN 13: 9780521348393
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 444