Alan Garcia vs Neville Chamberlain

Alan García assumed the presidency of Peru at age 36. His administration implemented heterodox economic policies, including price controls and a refusal to pay foreign debt. This led to hyperinflation exceeding 7,000% annually, economic collapse, and the rise of the Shining Path insurgency.

García won a second term, this time pursuing free-market policies. His administration oversaw a period of strong economic growth driven by high commodity prices and foreign investment. He signed a free trade agreement with the United States and expanded social programs, reducing poverty.

García was implicated in the Odebrecht corruption scandal, accused of receiving bribes during his second term. Facing imminent arrest, he shot himself in his home in Lima. His death ended a major corruption investigation and highlighted the widespread impact of the Odebrecht case in Latin America.

Chamberlain met Hitler in Munich and agreed to the cession of the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia to Germany. Chamberlain returned to Britain claiming 'peace for our time'. The agreement was widely praised at first but later condemned as appeasement that encouraged Nazi aggression.

Following the German invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939, Chamberlain issued an ultimatum to Germany. When no response came, Britain declared war on Germany on 3 September 1939, beginning the Second World War. Chamberlain announced the declaration in a radio broadcast.

After Germany occupied the rest of Czechoslovakia, Chamberlain's government issued a guarantee of Polish independence in March 1939. This marked a shift from appeasement to a policy of deterrence, committing Britain to defend Poland against German aggression.

After the failure of the Norwegian campaign and a vote of confidence that saw his majority fall, Chamberlain resigned as Prime Minister in May 1940. He was succeeded by Winston Churchill, who formed a coalition government to lead Britain through the war.