The butterfly continues flying, instead of falling to the ground, as it did in OTL. A passing rodent does not eat the butterfly as in OTL, and the rodent dies in TTL. Because it dies, an eagle that ate it in OTL starves, and is never caught by an Indian tribesman. When he is forced to move to another tribe because of lack of food, a disease he carries is not introduced to the new tribe he lives with, and does not wipe them all out as OTL. A couple years later, a Brazilian family (which died out in OTL during the Great Depression) settles in the dead tribe's land and starts a rubber plantation. The family thrives, and a young boy who died in OTL in the nineteen-teens survives. He joins the army and gradually rises through the ranks, rising in fame and power. With his support, he overthrows the Brazilian democracy and starts a fascist regime. During WW2, he 'protects' French and Dutch Guyana when their owners fall to Germany.
Later on, Brazil also takes British Guyana, but Britain cannot act because of the war. Brazil annexes the Guyanas after the war, and then 'convinces' Venezuela and Uruguay to join the South American Alliance. Bolivia and Paraguay are divided between Peru, Argentina, and Brazil during a series of wars. Peru and Argentina join the SAA to enjoy Brazil's protection and spoils of war. Chile and Ecuador are attacked and divided by the SAA, and this time the US intervenes. The South American War in the 50s results in Colombia joining the SAA and US interference is restricted from South America.
By the 60s, the Brazilian dictator manages to convince the leaders of the other South American countries to join the South American Union, making the continent one country.
The Caribbean is the next battleground between the SAU, the US and NATO, and the various Communist countries. Cuba is divided between the US and the SAU, but the West Indies Federation (which survived TTL) is turned communist, and Panama fights a desperate war with Socialist geurillas in the highlands, and the canal is constantly at danger.
The Brazilian dictator eventually dies, and the SAU's focus on military is toned down, and focuses on reforming the country and investing in infrastructure. NATO is disbanded during the 80s when East and West Germany reunite under a Communist Government. The US retreats into isolation, but the SAU spreads its influence around Latin America and parts of Africa. THe Soviet Union collapses around the turn of the century, but the new countries are all Communist. While Communism is no longer united, it's much less corrupt ITTL, and sticks around in Eurasia.
The SAU grows in members, and fully federalizes, and by 2008, begins negotiations with the US to join...
Yep, all because of one butterfly.
