Dictators in Early 20th Century Latin America | Historical Research Project

This 3-page activity will provide students with an understanding of Latin American dictators from 1900-1959. Students are provided with 9 key dictators and guiding questions that will aid their historical research on their topic. Students will explore the rise to power, methods of governance, and human rights abuses by these leaders during the neocolonial period of Latin American history.

Students will learn about dictators from Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, Guatemala, Paraguay, and Honduras. Students will be encouraged to think critically on the role of US foreign policy in supporting many of these leaders, especially in a time period before the Cuban Revolution. It's the perfect activity for a Latin American Studies, World History, US history, or other social studies course in high school. It includes 6 creative ways for students to share their understanding.