The Motorcycle Diaries

Throughout the text, Guevara references the effect of Spanish colonization on the Latin American region. How does Guevara view colonization? Are his views of colonization as it relates to exploitation the same as yours? If so, how?

Teaching Suggestion: This Discussion/Analysis Prompt invites students to connect their response from the Personal Connection Prompt to Guevara’s account. Guevara’s views of colonization are predominantly negative, particularly as they relate to the establishment of systems that oppress Indigenous peoples in Latin America. These systems of oppression are intrinsically linked to The Exploitation of the Working Classes by dictatorial, and often pro-Western, political regimes. Guevara stresses the importance of Resistance to an Unjust Order and Oppression of Indigenous Peoples, acknowledging that communities should adopt ideologies related to Pan-Americanism and pro-proletarianism in order to create a more just and equitable society.

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

Debate and Argumentative Essay: “Nationalization versus Privatization of the Chilean Mines”

In this activity, students will formulate and participate in a debate with a partner over the nationalization of Chilean mines.

In Chapters 18-22, Guevara recounts some objective information about the mines in Chile and the upcoming presidential election (in which one of the major issues is whether to nationalize the mines or allow them to remain in foreign hands).