To what extent was hemispheric cooperation between countries in the Americas successful between 1933 and 1945?

Candidates may refer to the effects of political and diplomatic efforts to improve cooperation within the region in the given period. One possible approach could be to evaluate whether specific cases of hemispheric cooperation were able to achieve their aims.

Indicative content

Inter-American political and defence relations improved after 1933

• The Buenos Aires conference (1936) or Inter-American Conference for the Maintenance of Peace attempted to prevent countries’ intervention in each other’s affairs.
• The Declaration of Lima (1938) reiterated the purpose of nations supporting one another against attacks from outside of the region.
• Before and during the Second World War, countries coordinated regional policies towards the outbreak of war at meetings in Panama (1939), Havana (1940) and Rio de Janeiro (1942).

Relations between the US and specific Latin American countries improved

• The Platt Amendment with Cuba was terminated (1934) and a new Treaty of Relations was drafted.
• In 1936, the US signed a treaty with Panama ending the right of the US to interfere in the domestic issues of Panama.
• Commercial bilateral agreements were signed to encourage inter-American trade by reducing tariffs.
• The Export-Import (EXIM) Bank was founded (1934) and encouraged trade between US and other nations in the region.

The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.

Examiners are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.

[20 marks]