ABC countries facts for kids
The ABC countries, also known as the ABC powers, are three important nations in South America: Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. They were seen as the most powerful, influential, and wealthy countries in the region.
This term was mainly used in the first half of the 20th century. During that time, these countries often worked together. They aimed to develop shared interests and deal with regional issues. They did this with less influence from outside countries, unlike during the Cold War period.
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History of the ABC Powers
In the early 1900s, Argentina, Brazil, and Chile were involved in a naval arms race. This meant they were competing to build the strongest navies. It started when Brazil bought three large warships called dreadnoughts. This happened after Argentina and Chile had their own naval competition.
The Niagara Falls Peace Conference
The term "ABC" became well-known during the Niagara Falls peace conference. On May 20, 1914, the three ABC countries met in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Their goal was to help solve problems between the United States and Mexico.
Tensions had grown because of events like the Tampico Affair and the United States occupation of Veracruz. These issues were also part of the larger Mexican Revolution. At the conference, the United States was represented by Frederick William Lehmann, who was a top government lawyer, and Joseph Rucker Lamar, a judge on the highest court in the U.S.
Mediating the Ecuadorian-Peruvian War
In 1942, the ABC countries worked with the United States again. They helped to set the peace terms for the Ecuadorian–Peruvian War. As a result of this mediation, Ecuador lost all the land it had claimed in the Amazon basin.
See also
In Spanish: Pacto ABC para niños
