Purpose

The purpose of this assignment is to critically analyze the Cold War influence in Central America. The reading response will be conducted through a canvas discussion assignment as outlined in the syllabus. 

Related Learning Outcome(s)

By the end of this week, given a reading unit, students will be able to: 

• Critically analyze anti-communism impacted Central America.    
• Evaluate how the 1959 Cuban Revolution impacted Central America. 

Skills

The assignment is to help you practice the following skills that are essential to your success in this course and in a professional life beyond school: 

• Describe and explain how the Cold War era impacted Central America . 

Knowledge

This assignment will also help you to become familiar with the following important content knowledge in this discipline of Central American Studies: 

• The role of ant-communism and the 1959 Cuban Revolution in Central America.   

Tasks

In a new post, use the Reply button at the bottom of this page to complete the following task. 

Part 1: Answer the following questions from the reading of Aviva Chomsky chapter 3 pp. 45-59. (2 points)

• All questions must be answered to receive full credit for the entire assignment.
• Please keep in mind that you can only submit assignment on one attempt.
• You will not have the option to edit your responses.
• Make sure to review your responses before submitting. 

1. What are the intertwined factors that motivated the U.S to overthrow Guatemala’s independent, reformist government in 1954?
2. Juan Jose Arevalo won the first what and identify his five actions to improve Guatemala?
3. What is the vision of Jacobo Arbenz Agrarian Reform Law, Decree 900 in Guatemala and how did it impact the United Fruit Company?
4. What is the purpose of the 1953 CIA’s Operation PBSUCCESS in Guatemala?
5. What did the 1959 Cuban Revolution accelerate?
6. How did modernization and urbanization impact indigenous populations?
7. What did Rigoberta Menchu say about the conditions of cotton workers in Guatemala?
8. Explain the impact of peasant colonization.
9. Why did Guatemala’s conservative church authorities support the Maryknoll project?
10. According to a Nicaraguan Sandinista educator; what are the three steps of consciousness-raising?

Part 2: Relate the Reading with the 1959 Cuban Revolution (3 points)

Please watch the following short video by TeleSur: Remembering Che Guevara’s Life (Links to an external site.)

• Relate a question from the reading with the video. Response must be a minimum five sentences. Make sure to organize your response in a paragraph. 
• Relate another question from the reading with the video. Response must be a minimum five sentences. Make sure to organize your response in a paragraph. 
• Note: students cannot select the same question from the reading twice. 

Part 3: Critical Reflection or New Knowledge (3 points)

• Select another question from the reading and provide your own critical reflection or the new knowledge gained . The response must be a minimum of five sentences. Organize your response in a paragraph.   
• Select another question from the reading and provide your own critical reflection or the new knowledge gained. The response must be a minimum of five sentences. Organize your response in a paragraph.   
• Note: questions cannot be the same as part 2.

Part 4: Peer Feedback (2 points)

Provide peer feedback to two classmates.

• Respond to a classmate’s part 2
• Respond to second classmate’s part 3 
• Responses must be at least three sentences

To begin your initial post, use the Reply button at the bottom of this page. 

Time Frame

The assignment is due Sunday February 6, 2022 by 11:59pm.

Materials Needed 

Aviva Chomsky Chapter 3 pp. 45-59

Discussion Etiquette (Netiquette) Guidelines

Respond to your classmates in a respectful manner, keeping in mind the following: 

• Treat others as you wish to be treated.
• Use supportive and constructive language.
• Use full sentences and proper grammar.
• Don’t use too much jargon. 
• Substantiate your opinion or claim by citing evidence from a reputable and trusted source. 

Criteria for Success

The discussion board assignment will be graded on a 10 point scale. The grading will be based on the criteria listed in the canvas discussion reading response rubric. 

These factors are Cold War anti-communism, lobbying by the United Fruit Company, and the belief that the Guatemala reforms will threaten the larger interest of the US in Latin America.