Military dictatorship

Definition

A military dictatorship is a form of government in which the military controls the political power, often coming to power through a coup d'état. These regimes typically involve the suspension of civil liberties, suppression of political opposition, and a focus on maintaining order through authoritarian rule. The rise of military dictatorships in Latin America often intersected with social movements and cultural expressions, impacting various musical genres and identities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Military dictatorships in Latin America became prominent during the 1960s and 1970s, often justified as necessary to combat perceived threats of communism.
2. These regimes frequently censored artistic expression, targeting musicians and artists who opposed their rule or sought to critique the government.
3. Many music genres, including Nueva canción and protest music, emerged as forms of resistance against military dictatorships, using lyrics to convey social and political messages.
4. During military rule, cultural identity became a contested space, as musicians sought to preserve their heritage while critiquing oppression.
5. International pressure and internal resistance ultimately contributed to the decline of many military dictatorships in Latin America by the late 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did military dictatorships influence musical genres in Latin America during their rule?
  • Military dictatorships had a profound impact on musical genres like Bossa nova and Nueva canción by imposing censorship and suppressing dissenting voices. Musicians often faced persecution for expressing political views, which led to the emergence of protest music that criticized authoritarian practices. This resistance through music not only provided a means for cultural expression but also helped galvanize social movements against oppressive regimes.
• Discuss the role of cultural identity in response to military dictatorship in Latin America.
  • Cultural identity played a crucial role in shaping responses to military dictatorships as artists and musicians sought to reclaim their heritage amidst oppression. Through various musical forms, they expressed solidarity, resilience, and resistance against authoritarian rule. This cultural production became a way for communities to assert their identity and fight back against attempts at homogenization by military regimes, ultimately fostering a sense of unity among those opposing the dictatorship.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of military dictatorships on contemporary Latin American music and societal values.
  • The legacy of military dictatorships continues to influence contemporary Latin American music and societal values by instilling themes of resistance, memory, and healing into artistic expressions. Musicians today often reference historical struggles against oppression while advocating for human rights and social justice. This ongoing dialogue between past and present not only shapes musical narratives but also influences broader societal movements that aim to address lingering inequalities and promote democratic values.

Related terms

Coup d'état: A sudden and illegal seizure of government power, often executed by the military or a faction within the state.

Authoritarianism: A political system characterized by the concentration of power in a leader or an elite not constitutionally responsible to the public.

Human rights abuses: Violations of fundamental rights and freedoms, often prevalent in military dictatorships where dissent is heavily suppressed.