Populist governments, seen in the 1950s and 1960s in South America, stimulated industrial growth and a sense of “consciousness” among the inhabitants of Latin American countries. Industrial growth greatly benefited the middle class and the working class; however, the poor were pushed into slums and rural areas. To illustrate the great poverty of this period in Latin America, people living in “shantytowns” 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 has led to the development of key movements by groups of individuals attempting to change 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 (Introduction to Liberation Theology). The social, political and economic atmosphere of this period proved conducive to religious change and new ideals. In the early 1960s, churches in Latin America experienced a much-needed sense of revitalization. The church enthusiastically sought to improve the living conditions of both its congregation and the general population. The church began to place greater 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. The popular movements that joined the church provided the structure...at the heart of the document...an essential option for the poor." National Catholic Reporter. National Catholic Reporter Publications, n.d. Web. March 21, 2014. Hillar, Marian and H. Leuchtag. "Liberation Theology: Religious Response to Social Problems: An Anthology of Essays Houston: Humanists Engaged in Greater Houston, 1993. 35-52." in Gustavo Gutierrez and Liberation Theology. Web log post. Seeking the Kingdom. Np, 1 August 2011. Web. 02 April 2014."Liberation Theology-Introduction." SMCVT Academics. Np, nd Web. March 27, 2014. “Liberation Theology.” Theopedia, n.d. Web. 04 April 2014. Lynch, Edward A. “The Retreat of Liberation Theology.” Theology." Liberation Theology. Reasonings from the Scriptures Ministries, nd Web. 02 April. 2014.