Doc 6.1 Augusto Sandino, Political Manifesto, Nicaragua, July 1927
In this political manifesto, Augusto Sandino who is a Nicaraguan revolutionary, criticizes Diaz and Chamorro who wanted to govern Nicaragua with the support of invaders who held weapons, portraying the need of aggression by the North, in order to invade or slowly impose their culture on Sandino’s homeland.
Sandino conveys a great sense of patriotism; evident by the way he degrades the United States of America to attract supporters (the locals), blaming them for trying to break up their country in a socio-environmental manner. More importantly, his quote “A Man who does not ask him homeland for even a handful of earth for his grave…” portrays how he is not fed by greed, but rather to see his homeland benefit and develop fairly.
His aim is to redirect his homeland on the right track towards development, where he can propose “Internationalist ideals”, which entails an individual to the right of justice and freedom. However, Sandino claims that for this to happen, “blood must be shed”, either his own, or someone else’s. This highlights his fight for the rights of his people, and the need to do something to solve the socio-political and economic problems.
The conflicts faced by Nicaragua at the time, were from Sandino’s point of view, primarily caused by the North who would lay their hands on any given opportunity where they could benefit from in socio-economic and/or politically ways. For instance, offering to build a Canal and help the Nicaraguan people. However, this was all for self-interest. I, to a certain extent agree to this, because judging by previous history involving the United States, greed and self-interest has always been evident by their involvement in political and economic tensions where they can benefit from in the near future with the use of weaponry or aggression. The building of the canals would allow for the USA to have a certain amount of say in distinct situations, whilst Nicaraguans were in debt and “enslaved”, according to Sandino.
I agree about the US seeking to “help” other countries with their own interest in mind only. I know this may sound strange, but it made me happy to see Sandino stand up to him, and put things so bluntly. His stance against the US protected Nicarauga from American domination.
Yeah Sandino seems like he would be a strong & loyal leader, although they did need a large amount of foreign investment. I believe the US was more self-interested than other countries, which is what Sandino also believed. However, a developing country still needs aid from other countries, without the need to assume what their sole-purpose is behind the support provided.
While reading this document, I also found his sense of nationalism and pride to be clearly visible throughout the piece. He shows a sense of faith in the people of his nation, as this would be a key tactic to provoke followers. I do agree that his view point puts the primary blame on the United States.
Sandino portrays himself as a strong, loyal leader looking to improve the living standards and rights of his local people. He also compares himself to other Nicaraguans who have betrayed his people by supporting the invaders (North), and how he is sick of this. What I find interesting about him is that he looks for solutions towards the improval of his peoples lives by seeking the alternative which would least benefit the Americans, where mostly Latin America will benefit. This shows his primary interest in the best for his people.