Historical Context of U.S. Interventions in Latin America

The historical struggles in Nicaragua and their impact on contemporary Venezuela highlight the repetitive patterns of U.S. intervention in Latin America. The Nicaraguan experience of war, hunger, and violence leading up to flawed elections serves as a cautionary tale for Venezuelans, who are facing similar pressure from the U.S. regarding their electoral processes. Venezuelans recognize the need for unity among their people as a vital tool for self-defense against foreign influence, akin to the solidarity seen in grassroots community efforts. This unity has remained resilient despite attempts to destabilize the region. Furthermore, the Cuban Revolution exemplifies U.S. fears regarding successful uprisings against foreign-imposed dictatorships. Almost immediately after the Cuban revolutionary triumph in 1959, the U.S. instituted sanctions, fearing a ripple effect of revolutionary ideology across Latin America that could threaten American interests and influence. Thus, the U.S. interventions have consistently aimed to stifle self-determination in Latin American nations, fostering a legacy of resistance rooted in unity and social organization among the oppressed populations.