Latin America has an influential and conflicting history of extractivism. With its substantial and permanent participation in the global expansion of capitalism and the modern industrial world, the region constitutes a distinctive setting for examining the political, social, and environmental implications of resource extraction.
This map has been created in collaboration with students from Professor Rosas Buendia’s Spring 2024 course on environmental humanities. The information compiled by students about this selection of relevant commodities has been mapped out according to the countries in which they are extracted. The map shows commodities that experienced a boom and bust cycle in past centuries or decades, as well as cases of contemporary resources with a long or recent extractive history. Written by the students as part of a class assignment, you will find a general description of each case. In addition, the impressions and opinions of the students about the cases they researched are displayed below the map.
When researching the influence of the soy industry in Argentina, I learned a lot about the social impact that this industry had on the indigenous Argentinian population and how the country’s political history influenced Argentina’s present situation. I thought it was interesting that massive corporations not based in Argentina gain most of the profit. In the United States, it is common to see a lot of goods imported from other countries, but it was surprising to see soybeans exported to other countries by companies that are not Argentinian.
Ariana Banhan
When previously studying Spanish colonialism, I had learned the impacts from the Spanish perspective with a focus on sugar cultivation. The research on the tobacco monopoly broadened my understanding of how the demand for a different crop fueled Cuba’s presence in global trading markets. I found researching the violent revolts of Canary Island tobacco farmers especially interesting as they reveal early protests of Spanish rule. I was also surprised by the amount of economic instability in Cuba caused by Spain’s political turmoil. Researching the tobacco monopoly is important to provide context to Cuba’s independence movement and current political climate.
Alex Cabrera
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this project was comparing the extractivism of two different products in two different countries during two different periods and finding similarities. I think that this in itself shows the repetitive nature of history, in the sense that some actions are innate human nature and will occur again and again unless we, as a society, study the past and learn from others’ doings and their respective consequences. By studying present-day concerns around the world, we can gain a better understanding of how the state of other countries impacts our own.
Joe Ciambriello
One of the most interesting parts of the history of the sugar industry in Cuba is the conversion of Cuba into a quasi-colonial state by the United States following its rebellion. It is highly ironic that a country with a national identity based on freedom and self-governance would swoop into a colony to establish itself as the new, unofficial, owner. I think that this instance is an important microcosm of the evolution of global extractivism: from outright colonialism to the more insidious political and economic control that we associate with the world powers of the modern age.
Gavin Hurn
It was interesting to find the contradictions between information published by Petrobras and by third-party sources. Petrobras’s website describes their company as “an environment that is a reference in ethics, integrity, and transparency”. However, I found accounts of Petrobras ignoring denied licenses to drill in the Amazon, displacing indigenous populations, and being involved in bribery scandals like Lava Jato. It is essential to gather information from a multitude of sources while forming opinions and doing research; being mindful of what an article “wants” you to think is a great first step in gaining a comprehensive, accurate understanding of a topic
Lindsey Lampron
After reading this text, I understood that learning about the origin of emeralds in Colombia is important. Many existing texts on emeralds in Colombia are about their unique color, cut, and aesthetics. However, Lane focuses on the mistreatment from the supervisors of the mines, illnesses from mosquitoes and unsanitary living conditions, and deaths the indigenous people and enslaved Africans suffered while extracting emeralds. It surprised me that people in Asia and the Middle East who traded these emeralds did not know about the cruelties happening on the other side. They focused on this jewel’s color, gift-giving culture, and religious significance.
Chaerin Lee
When discussing my topic of investigation, Colombina bananas, with my roommate, I was shocked to discover that her grandfather worked for Banacol and witnessed firsthand the violence of the industry. As I researched further, it was unbelievable to see how far-reaching companies like Chiquita are in the many issues associated with Colombia today, ranging from militia activities to drug trafficking to cultural persecution. Even in the 21st century, it is important to remember the key role multinational corporations, many hailing from the United States, play in worsening social and political tensions throughout Latin America.
Maggie Miller
Potosi’s history taught me how natural resource Wealth can create both prosperity and suffering. The fact that one mountain could shape global economies is amazing to me. However, it also shows the deep inequalities caused by forced labor. I was surprised by how much Potosi’s silver had ended up in China. This showed how connected the world was, dating back to the 16th century. This case is critical because it can remind us of resource extraction which often benefits the powerful, while exploiting workers and harming the environment. I also think it showed that natural resources alone don’t guarantee prosperity.
Mason Patel
Upon beginning my research, I was skeptical of the amount of primary evidence available on such a niche yet pertinent topic. I had some exposure to the complexities of the influence of multinational corporations on the banana industry through reading Cien años de soledad and learning about La masacre de las bananeras, but I was intrigued to research the environmental effects of monocultures as well as the racial complexities involved. As consumers of the fruits of multinational companies, it is vital to recognize the origins and the history behind the production that continues to affect populations today.
Annie Peng
Sadly, I am not surprised by what is happening with petroleum production and environmental exploitation in Ecuador today. Throughout my research, I came across a quote by Renato Valencia, an Ecuadorian forest ecologist, that I believe sums up what we see in Latin America: “Siempre pierde la naturaleza. En relación al tema económico, esa es la regla.” Despite the great victories environmentalists and other interest groups have secured in favor of the Amazon, these have only been possible when the country’s economy has allowed it. This sector sets the pace, timeline, and rules for how the resources will be dealt with, not the people or places affected by it.
Sabrina Prado
Researching copper mining in Peru taught me the importance of mining to South American economies and that, even though governments have direct control over their resources, economic pressures from international and domestic sources often influence them. It surprised me that the Peruvian government overturned their promise to protect indigenous lands to expand copper mines that were right next to their living communities. This situation represented an unfortunate, common pattern where indigenous communities are stripped of and/or evicted from their land for commercial or industrial purposes. It’s important to recognize patterns like these to prevent the beginning of new industrial endeavours that encroach on Indigenous land, because it is often difficult (not impossible) to end current industrial efforts
Dia Sengupta
As someone who has had the opportunity to visit various locations across Guatemala, including in some of the key coffee-growing regions across the country, learning more about the history and challenges of the industry has given me a deeper appreciation for the complexities behind one of Guatemala’s most important exports. Learning about the struggles of farmers, the exclusion of women from cooperatives, and the effects of climate change makes me reflect on the hidden costs of global commodities. Understanding this case of Guatemalan extractivism underscores the importance of supporting ethical and sustainable agricultural practices
Taylor Sherwood
It is interesting to consider the idea of sovereignty and independence in the context of the extraction of natural resources in a country or region. For example, in Mexico, the motto of the state-owned business PEMEX is “for the recovery of sovereignty” regarding petroleum. These industries not only have a direct impact on the economy and the environment. Rather, this research emphasizes the incredible influence of these resources on culture and national perceptions not only from an international perspective, but also an internal one that is more than jobs and infrastructure.
Kyle Robinson
I found the case of coffee production in Colombia surprising because it showed that the global problem of climate change has such a drastic effect on small farms. In addition, I believe that this case is important to learn about because it can help us be more mindful about where we buy coffee and what the sellers are doing to support the producers and the enviroment. The case also teaches us that our coffee consumption will decrease by 50% as a result of climate change and farmers leaving the industry in the next fifty years if we don’t make a global change.
Zoe Glickman
I learned a lot about corruption within Guatemala’s government and how common it is for the legislation to be influenced by big industries. I know that happens in every country, but to see evidence of palm oil companies blatantly bribing politicians to avoid labor and export taxes was astounding. Understanding how widespread corruption is across departments and factions, and how other officials participated and encouraged the spending of taxpayer money for personal expenses, really opened my eyes to how complex and convoluted the idea of “fixing” a corrupt government is.
Aubree Goff
For me, learning more about the history of sugar exports in the Caribbean, especially with respect to commodities and economies that are intertwined and related to the United States, is very interesting. It is important for me to know about these international relationships among countries as I plan to work in a company that has many international markets. I think the most surprising thing for me was that although colonialism generally has a negative connotation, in reference to the supplied text, some of the effects were actually positive and helped small Puerto Rican producers.
Amanda Johnston
It surprised me that cacao played a large role in the history of Ecuador, including in Ecuador’s ancient rituals and meals (for example, I didn’t know there was such a thing as cacao soup). I didn’t know that cacao was cultivated in Ecuador a long time before cacao was grown in Mexico or other parts of central America. I also didn’t know that Ecuador was still one of the largest producers of cacao beans in the world. It’s important to know about this case because the workers in these countries can often be dehumanized by the global demand for the products extracted from them, like cacao from Ecuador. The labor strike (on behalf of the railroad workers) in Ecuador in the 1920s also show that the dehumanization of workers did not only apply to the cacao industry.
Adair Garrett
Transnational meat corporations in Brazil are part of the machinery that this market represents on an international scale. According to Margarita Olivera, researcher at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, the top 10 beef exporters in the world control 96% of sales. Additionally, the United States, Japan, Russia, and the European Union are the recipients of 65% of exported meat (being international suppliers themselves). Hence, this is one of the most concentrated commercial flows. Brazilian corporations like JBS-Friboi, Marfrig, and Brazil Foods are part of the global meat oligopoly, responsible for the dizzying development of the industry in the South American giant, but also for forms of modern slavery, capital concentration, deforestation, and destruction of biomes such as the Amazon.
Lía Fleites Claro
In general, I really enjoyed learning about rubber fever and its effects on the Amazon. As I read, I found myself drawing many connections with the abuse of black slaves on plantations throughout the South. The sheer scale and speed of the abuse of the indigenous populations by the rubber industry was shocking. The speedy collapse of native populations by the rubber industry speaks to the evil nature of the practice. I think that the story of the rubber fever in the Amazon can teach us a lot about the dangers of unchecked Capitalism and is an example of the extractive legacy of colonialism that can still be felt today.
Ryan Eiler
Lithium is an important resource today, because the demand for it has increased so much. I think that it serves as a microcosm of the controversies and considerations in economic, political, historical and environmental contexts. The government of Bolivia is an example of a Pink Tide movement, where a leftist party has more influence and wants to implement policies that promote protectionism. It is interesting because there are shortcomings that make foreign investment necessary to develop their industries. If Bolivia invites Chinese firms, how will the United States react? The geopolitical implications are immense.
Cole Page
The cinchona case shows the intricate web of colonial governance, where power dynamics intersect with the extraction of natural resources. This case shows the importance of local knowledge, shedding light on how information manipulation becomes a potent tool in resisting oppressive systems. Personally, what struck me as surprising is the agency demonstrated by local actors, particularly La Guardia, who skillfully navigated the hierarchical system to challenge established norms. Understanding this historical case is crucial in unraveling the deep-seated roots of environmental exploitation and in acknowledging the resilience of marginalized communities. It prompts contemplation on the ongoing struggle for ecological justice and emphasizes the need for sustainable, community-centric approaches to resource management. This historical narrative becomes a compelling lens through which to examine the intersectionality of power, knowledge, and environmental justice.
Rhea Shukla
The discovery, production, and global markets of colonial cinchona production is a narrative marked by fables written by colonial powers and the mountainous figures of the production of this plant. The malaria epidemic experienced by colonial powers in their holding had a global impact on communities and economies. It is fascinating to me that cinchona, an unassuming plant from the high mountains of the Andes, had the power and importance of shaping colonial conquest for several centuries. What’s even more interesting is the dependence of native workers on the meager salaries they received from their colonial oppressors. The environmental concerns of parties involved were shaped by the perspectives they held, and their varying roles as oppressor and oppressed. The cinchona story prompts us to take a look at how we view resource extraction, production, and environmental concerns in the context of community livelihoods.
Aditi Venkatesh
The story of the Brazilian gold rush offers an interesting look into some of the historical forces that contributed to Brazil’s current cultural and political state. I found particularly interesting to learn about the differences between slave control in the gold mining cities and Brazil’s sugar farms and agricultural areas further north. Additionally, I learned how the gold rush was influential in Brazilian political history, as it shifted power south, and Rio de Janeiro became the capital of the country. Brazilians profiting from the gold emerged as a new elite, creating wealth inequality and also greater overall spending power for the populace.
Mira Kaufman
It was very surprising to me that despite the political instability of the early Peruvian government, more developed European countries were still willing to lend them large sums of money because the value and quantity of guano that it possessed. The other countries had no reason to believe that Peru would pay them back yet still lent their money because they knew that the threat of major loss in revenue from the disruption of the guano trade would be enough to enforce their repayment. Guano was the resource that truly introduced the country to the global market, serving as a stable footing for its turbulent beginning.
Nicole Bridges
When I found out that Uruguay is one of the main exporters of beef in the world I was very surprised. It was even more surprising that a small city, Fray Bentos, in a way, served as a second capital of Uruguay giving a stable job through farming to the majority of the Uruguayan people. I also learned that farming is one of the most essential GDP industries in Uruguay. Being such a small country it is crazy to think about how big of an impact Uruguay has had on the beef industry and beef cultures all around the world, and the large-scale provision of beef that it globally provides.
Derek Siegel
I was not aware of the history of oil exploitation in Venezuela before doing my research for this project. What surprised me most is the story of Venezuela’s rise and fall from power. From the discovery of their vast oil deposits over 100 years ago, they have extracted and controlled it at alarming rates (over 300 billion barrels in reserve today). The very same petroleum which fueled their prosperity is what caused their downfall in the end. This story teaches us that even in times of great prosperity, we must be mindful to make sure our way of life is sustainable.
Jas Brar