Question

why did democracy fail in most of latin america in the decades following colonial independence?
foreign countries interfered with the new governments.
independence movement leaders had no knowledge of democracy.
the populations of most former colonies were mostly illiterate.
the former colonies had no experience with ruling themselves.

Explanation:

• Option B is incorrect: Independence leaders were often educated in Enlightenment democratic ideals.
• Option C is incorrect: While illiteracy was common, it was not the core failure cause.
• Option D is incorrect: Many colonies had local self-governance experience at lower levels.
• Option A is correct: Foreign powers (notably the U.S. and European nations) frequently intervened in Latin American governments, undermining democratic institutions through economic coercion, military interventions, and supporting authoritarian rulers to protect their interests.

Answer:

A. Foreign countries interfered with the new governments.