Populist governments, seen in the 1950s and 1960s in South America, stimulated industrial growth and a sense of "consciousness" among the people of the countries of America Latin. Industrial growth greatly benefited the middle class and the working class; however, the poor were driven into slums and rural areas. To illustrate the great poverty of this era in Latin America, the inhabitants of "slums" resided in vast settlements constructed of cardboard and other available materials such as metal and plastic sheets. These “cities” often lacked adequate sanitation. One could imagine how living in these slums would degrade the human spirit and foster a sense of worthlessness. The abrupt change in social classes gave rise to key movements developed by groups of individuals with the aim of changing the social structure of their respective countries. In turn, these popular movements led to the rise of dictatorships aimed at controlling the people and protecting the desires of the country (Introducing Liberation Theology). The social, political, and economic atmosphere of this era proved conducive to religious change and new ideals. In the early 1960s, Latin American churches experienced a sense of much-needed revitalization. The Church eagerly sought to improve the living conditions of its congregation and the general population. The Church began to place more emphasis on its social mission; priests and other theologians readily encouraged calls for modernization and progress in these Latin American communities. Illustrating this change, congregations began working with the poor to improve their situation. Popular movements united with the Church provided the framework... middle of document... essential option for the poor. National Catholic Reporter. National Catholic Reporter Publications, nd Web. March 21, 2014. Hillar, Marian, and H. Richard. “Liberation Theology: Religious Response to Social Problems.” Humanism and Social Issues: Anthology of Essays: Involved Humanists in Greater Houston, 1993. 35-52 on Gustavo Gutierrez and Liberation Theology." Web Journal Article. In search of the Kingdom. Np, August 1, 2011. Web. April 2, 2014. “Liberation Theology-Introduction.” SMCVT Academics. Np, nd Web. March 27, 2014. “Liberation Theology.” Theopedia, nd Web. April 4, 2014. Lynch, Edward A. "The Retreat of Catholic Culture, nd Web. March 28, 2014. Rhodes, Ron. Theology." Liberation theology. Reasoning from Scriptures Ministries, nd Web. April 2. 2014.