Che Guevara

Che Guevara 

Che Guevara, born Ernesto Guevara, was one of the leading revolutionaries during this time period.  An Argentine medical student, he believed Latin American poverty was linked to and maintained by the imperialist international economic system.  He advocated that the "victims" of this system could only free themselves from the imperialist countries (such as the United States) by joining together and fighting against them and the dictators they established in their home countries.  After escaping to Mexico, he developed Marxist ideals and began battling against capitalist imperialism.  This is also where he met Fidel Castro.

Guevara helped free Cuba but also led a failed revolt in Bolivia, which led to his eventual execution.  By the time he died, however, he had already made a huge impact on the concept of the ideal Latin American. 

Latin Americans across the region changed their opinions about their country's economic dependence on foreign economies based on what Che Guevara told them.  Suddenly they realized that the ideal Latin American did not sit around accepting whatever their dictators told them was right or acceptable; they could have a say.  Elections were skewed almost beyond all acceptable forms of democracy, but revolt was always an option.

The ideal Latin American became one who stood alongside Guevara and his mission and fought for what they believed was right.  They supported the idea of a completely economically independent Latin America and did what they could to achieve that.  There was no limit to what they would do to reach their goal; they were dedicated mind, body, and soul.  This is how Che Guevara immpacted the concept of an ideal Latin American.