The economy of Latin American countries like Argentina has often focused on one main product at a time and imported many other necessary products. Argentina particularly followed this economic strategy in the late 1800s. Latin American countries focus on a product that performs well and do not move away from that product. Countries simply followed trends and took advantage of what the market dictated as a profitable product. This strategy may not be successful in the long term and lead to a land of poverty. This was the case in almost every country in Latin America, and the entire economy revolved around the growth of industry in each country. Technology, increased immigration, European influence, and political policy have all influenced the economic situation of Latin American countries and led to economic struggles. The main products that drove the economy of Latin America in the 19th century required products and resources easily accessible to the country in the area. For Argentina, the country focuses on the export of temperate agricultural products (Furtado 131). Workers needed in the fields and a large amount of land for cultivation are abundant. Land is already available, but to become more equipped to excel in agriculture, the country needs an influx of able-bodied workers. Many factors have contributed to Argentina's inability to achieve trade comparable to that of the United States and European countries. Argentina focused solely on agriculture and thus ignored other booming industries in the late 1800s. Argentina's elite were more content to reform the old ways than to totally overhaul the way their country was doing business (Wood, Chasteen 140). Their contacts with Europe and the United States were in the middle of paper..... There is also a general feeling of apathy towards the country as a whole. European influence guided Latin America in many decisions throughout the 19th century. Not all examples of European culture have been beneficial to Latin America. The Latin American economic model prevented many changes in the countries it affected. Although this model allowed countries like Argentina to succeed for a time, the long-term results have not been satisfactory. Considering all these factors, it is not surprising that Latin America is stricken by poverty and inequality. Works Cited Henderson, T. “Modern Latin American History Lecture.” Auburn University Montgomery, Montgomery, AL. September 2011. Conference. Wood, James A. and John Charles Chasteen. Problems of modern Latin American history: sources and interpretations. 3rd ed. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2009. Print.