Chapter 11: Economic drivers in the Amazon from the 19th century to the 1970s

Abstract

Key Messages & Recommendations 1) During the 19 th and 20 th centuries increasing international demands led to boom and bust cycles for various natural products such as quina and rubber. Mining of gold continued, and the discovery and drilling for oil began, activities which continue to this day. Some products gave way to others, as in the shift from quina to rubber , and from rubber to the Brazil nut. 2) Extraction of natural resources always occurred with government support, and the backing of national and foreign investors. These industries took advantage of Indigenous labor, often in ex-ploitative and abusive conditions. At the beginning of this period, as in previous centuries, rivers were the means of access to the Amazon, but starting in the 20th century roads and highways increasingly opened up access. 3) We must learn from the experiences of Indigenous peoples, who have successfully managed, shaped, and guarded natural resources in the region for thousands of years, as well as from local communities. Developing economic models that avoid asymmetric exploitation practices, such as debt-peonage, is a major challenge. 4) Various Andean Amazonian products have generated enclave economies, with boom-and-bust cycles over several centuries. Economic activities must be carried out sustainably over time, guaranteeing the long-term well-being of Amazonian communities. Abstract This chapter identifies the main economic processes that occurred in the Brazilian, Andean,