The rise of military dictatorships in Latin America during the Cold War was characterized by a response to perceived threats from both internal and external forces. Many countries experienced political instability, economic challenges, and class tensions, prompting military leaders to seize power under the guise of restoring order. Backed by the United States, these regimes often employed repression to eliminate leftist movements, using tactics such as censorship and violence against dissidents. The rise of these dictatorships had a profound impact on human rights, social structures, and political discourse, leaving enduring legacies of trauma and resistance in the region.