Anastasio Somoza Speech – 1952

This video is a speech from Anastasio Somoza Garcia, a former president and dictator of Nicaragua who ruled from 1937-1947 and again from 1950-1956. In the speech, Somoza strongly expresses his affection for the US, which highlights the strong ties Nicaragua had with the US during the Revolution era. Also, Somoza expresses his gratitude for US aid and stresses the need to protect democracy, which demonstrates how the US intervened in Latin American nations during the Revolution period to prevent the assumption of power by Communist forces.

In his speech, Somoza articulates, “This (the US) is my second country.” and “I feel very proud to say that the Nicaraguan people…are the best friends the US has and will ever have in Latin America” (Somoza 1952). Somoza’s characterization of the US as his “second country” creates an image of the US as a home for Somoza, which helps emphasize the strong relationship the US has with Nicaragua. Also, Somoza’s categorization of the US’ relationship with Nicaragua as the strongest “best friends” in Latin America contemporarily and for all time helps further demonstrate the fact that the US and Nicaragua are in good relations during the Revolution period.

Moreover, Somoza also acknowledges that “we have received that help from this big brother of the US” and proclaims that “democracy and freedom will live forever” (Somoza 1952). This description of the US as a “big brother” indicates how the US continued to intervene in Latin American countries during the Revolution period. Also, Somoza’s emphasis on protecting democracy and freedom reflects how the US supported leaders who were anti-communist and helped them obtain and maintain power during and beyond the Revolution era.

Works Cited

Somoza, Anastasio. 1952. “Anastasio Somoza Speech – 1952. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVX_ShK18L4 (4 April 2020).

By: Giovanny Bravo