What are the reasons for the dominance of the military in the politics of Latin American states?

The countries of Latin America after gaining independence were extremely undeveloped. In the economy, the first role was played by agriculture and the extraction of useful resources. More often – gold, silver, precious stones. The borders of states were drawn partly simply on the map, indiscriminately.

And in such a situation, many of the wealthy planters or simply noble people could take high positions in the new countries. And they could rely on armed detachments. Rich companies from the USA also relied on them.

Weapons have become a cult and the foundation of power. And the military had the most weapons.