Bananas
What was the main export of the Banana Republics?
Bananas
What is a "banana republic"?
A politically unstable country whose economy depends on one export and is heavily influenced by foreign interests.
Which region of the world is most associated with banana republics?
Central America.
What do we call money invested by companies from another country?
Foreign investment.
Which American fruit company became famous for its influence in Central America?
The United Fruit Company.
Which type of economy depends heavily on exporting one product
Monoculture economy
What is a coup d'état?
The sudden overthrow of a government.
Name one country often described historically as a banana republic.
Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, or Panama.
Why did companies build railroads in many banana republics?
To transport bananas from plantations to ports.
Which Guatemalan president was overthrown in 1954?
Jacobo Árbenz.
If prices fell or crops failed, the nation's economy suffered
Who often gained political power after coups?
Military leaders or dictators.
Which country experienced a CIA-backed coup in 1954?
Guatemala.
What happened to workers when wages were very low?
Many remained poor and protested through strikes.
Why did the United States support some governments in banana republics during the Cold War?
To prevent the spread of communism and protect U.S. strategic and economic interests.
Name one natural disaster that often damages these plantations
Hurricans
What branch of government is often weakened in a banana republic?
The democratic government (or civilian government).
Which neighboring country became known as the "original banana republic"?
Honduras
Why is economic diversification important?
It reduces dependence on one product and makes the economy more stable.
What company later became known as Chiquita Brands?
The United Fruit Company.
Why did foreign companies want to own large banana plantations?
To maximize profits and control production.
Why were democratic governments often unstable in banana republics?
Foreign influence, military intervention, corruption, and economic dependence.
Which superpower had the greatest political influence in many banana republics during the 20th century?
The United States.
What happens when a country's economy relies almost entirely on one export?
It becomes vulnerable to market changes and economic crises.
Explain in one sentence why the term "banana republic" became associated with political instability.
Because many countries depended on banana exports while foreign companies and governments influenced their politics, leading to instability and weak democratic institutions.