Latin American Military Dictatorships

Latin American military dictatorships were periods when military leaders seized control of governments, often through coups, and ruled with little regard for democratic processes. These regimes typically suppressed political opposition, curtailed freedoms, and employed violence or intimidation to maintain power. Many justified their rule as necessary to restore stability or fight communism during the Cold War. Countries like Argentina, Chile, and Brazil experienced such regimes, which often left lasting scars on societies through human rights abuses and economic challenges. These dictatorships lasted for varying durations before some transitioned back to democratic governance in the late 20th century.