United Fruit Co.

Posted by Bob on March 02, 2000

In Reply to: United Fruit Co. posted by Tomar on March 02, 2000

: : : I believe this is the answer:
: : : BANANA REPUBLIC:
: : : THE UNITED FRUIT COMPANY
: : : www.mayaparadise.net/ufc1e.htm
: : : The history of banana growing in Central America is closely tied to the history of politics in the same area from the 1880's through the 1970's. Prior to 1870, bananas were unknown in the United States. The first bananas were imported to the U.S. in 1870 and just 28 years later, Americans in the U.S. were consuming over 16 million bunches a year. The story begins in 1871 with the construction of a railroad in Costa Rica by an industrious 23 year old from Brooklyn named Minor Keith. The project cost hundreds of lives, including the lives of his two brothers. Keith was a man who would do anything to advance his own interests. He even married the daughter of the Costa Rican President. His efforts paid off and eventually he earned the title "The Uncrowned King of Central America".
: : : :

: :: That doesn't help...am I the only one who doesn't see the words "Banana Republic" in that whole article?

: : I'm afraid you are Steve old chap cos its up there, in big upper case letters. I would agree that it's not much of an explanation as to why a banana republic is so called and what are its defining characteristics.

: No, I understand what's Steve is saying. He doesn't mean "Banana Republic" isn't there in your response, he says it's not in the article. Which it's not. The article is about banana production and distribution, it has nothing to do with the phrase.

For decades, the U.S. bullied the small banana-growing countries in Central America (within our "sphere of influence") on behalf of United Fruit, who was the de facto government. To further their corporate aims, we resorted to the occasional overthrow of a government (e.g., Guatemala in the '50s by the CIA.) The result of the US manipulation in the region was a series of unstable, puppet governments, mostly military juntas, who were US "clients." The leaders, puffed-up little dictators with a chest full of medals they awarded to themselves, exercised laws that were somewhat arbitrary and self-serving. The term "banana republic" stems from this history.