Latin America

1. Latin America “Why study Latin America?” ?????? ? ? ???

2. 18% of U.S. citizens are of Latin American heritage. Hispanics represent the largest minority in the U.S. • U.S. history is closely linked to Latin America. • Latin America is one of the most important region for U.S. trade and investment. • It helps eliminate stereotypes!

3. U.S. culture is heavily influenced by Latin American song, dance, art, food, fashion and sport.

4. Includes: • Mexico • 7 countries in Central America • Islands of the Caribbean • 12 Countries of South America • And 1 dependency- French Guiana.

5. Latin America Physical Overview Notes

7. Middle America (Mexico & Central America) • Very Mountainous • Climate most affected by elevation • Mexico is called “country of mountains” • Over 100 active volcanoes on Pacific coast • Caribbean coast = lowlands

9. Caribbean • 3 groups of islands = Bahamas, Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles • Group of islands are made differently: • Bahamas = cays(keys) coral • Greater Antilles = underwater mnts. • Lesser Antilles = volcanic activity

10. Caribbean (cont.) • Chain of Islands 2,000 miles long (Archipelago) • Largest Islands: • Cuba • Hispaniola (Haiti & Dominican Republic) • Puerto Rico • Jamiaca

12. South America • Very similar to North America • West = high rugged mnts.(Andes mnts.) • Central = plains (Amazon basin & Pampas) • East = low, rounded mnts. (Brazilian Highlands)

13. Atacama Desert • Driest place on Earth. • Evidence suggests some areas have not had rain for 120,000 years.

14. Pampas • Fertile grasslands • Similar to Great Plains in North America

15. Amazon River Basin • Largest river basin on Earth • 11 million cubic feet per second released into the Atlantic Ocean

16. Andes Mountains • Longest mountain range on Earth • Highest peak is Chimborazo 20,564 feet (Ecuador) • Mining

17. Latin American Population • Most people live near the coast. • In Mexico they live near the center. • Twice as many people as in the U.S. • ½ live in cities.

18. Economic Activity • Most Economies are based on agriculture • Cash crops include coffee, bananas, and sugar cane.

19. Agriculture • Latifundia: Large estates owned by families or corporations • Minifundia: smaller farms that produce for the family and sell in the market.

20. THE MOST INDUSTRIALIZED COUNTRIES ARE MEXICO (MOTOR VEHICLES, ELECTRIC GOODS) & BRAZIL (IRON, STEEL, AUTOMOBILES, TEXTILES, MACHINERY)

21. Economies (cont.) INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IS SLOW BECAUSE OF LACK OF CAPITAL, SKILLED WORKERS & RAW MATERIALS LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES RELY ON EACH OTHER ECONOMICALLY. THIS HAS CREATED A LARGE AMOUNT OF FOREIGN DEBT.

22. Latin American Oil • Venezuelan & Mexican oil reserves are among the top 10 in the world • Oil generates about 80% of Venezuela’s export revenues • The Hugo Chavez government is in complete control of the oil industry in Venezuela • Venezuela’s state owned oil company acquired Citgo in 1980.

23. Panama Canal • The “crossroads” of world trade. • Built by the United States under President Teddy Roosevelt from 1904-1914. • The United States controlled the Canal until December 31, 1999

25. History • Land conquered by the Spanish • Conquistadors.

26. History (cont.) • Many unstable governments, military leaders and revolutions. • Most striving toward Democracy except Cuba (Fidel Castro) & Venezuela (Hugo Chavez)

27. Ancient Civilizations

29. Lived in Mexico’s Central Plateau (feared and hated by others in Mexico). • Warlike people, defeated more settled people and forced them into paying taxes. • Became skilled builders-Built the capital city of Tenochtitlan in the middle of a lake. • Worshiped many Gods – Sun God • Thought it would weaken and die if it was not fed blood and humans hearts. • Engaged in warfare to provide human sacrifices.

31. Tenochtitlan • Founded as the Aztec capital in 1325 • It was built in the center of Lake Texcoco • At one time, over 200,000 people lived in this city • The city flourished until 1519, when Cortes and the Spanish arrived

34. Lived more towards Central America – Yucatan Peninsula • Agriculture type of people (slash and burn) • Scientific and artistic achievements: • 1. Calendar • 2. Use of zero in math (Europeans did not use) • 3. Developed a written language Reasons are unknown why they began to abandon their cities at about 800 – 900 AD

37. Empire lasted about 100 yrs. • Included parts of 5 present day countries. • Advanced methods of agriculture. • Irrigation • Fertilizers • Terraced Farming Very religious Transporting goods = Stone highways, suspension bridge Strong and complex government - forced population to save food for famine. Took census without a writing system. Kept records by tying knots in a rope device called a “quipu”.

39. Mexico Culture

40. Spanish culture of Mexico • 4 social classes • 1. Peninsulares (Spanish Born) • 2. Criollos (Spanish/New world born • 3. Mestizos (Spanish/Native Indian) • 4. Native Indian

41. Haciendas – Mexican Plantation Class structure lasted 300 years. *Until 1821 – Mexico was a colony of Spain *1920 – Became a Democracy after 10 yrs. Of struggle. *Family is a very important factor in Mexican life.

42. Mexico City • 2nd largest city in the world with a population of over 22 million • Located where the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan was located

43. Most Mexicans are Roman Catholic • 66% of the population is urban. • ECONOMICS – Most Important Industries in Mexico are: • PETROLEUM – 4TH LARGEST PRODUCER IN THE WORLD • TOURISM – CALLED THE “SMOKELESS INDUSTRY

44. Puerto Rico

45. Common wealth to the U.S. • Elect own governor and legislative body. • People have full U.S. citizenship • Do not pay income taxes • They cannot vote in presidential elections • Enter or leave any part of the U.S. at will