5. João Goulart, Brazil (1964)
In 1964, the United States covertly supported Brazilian military leaders who deposed President João Goulart. Goulart’s leftist policies and perceived alignment with communism raised concerns in Washington. The U.S. provided financial and logistical assistance to the coup plotters, facilitating the establishment of a military dictatorship that lasted two decades. This intervention aimed to curb leftist influence in Latin America and prevent the spread of communism during the Cold War. (wilsoncenter.org)
