Chapter 9

1. Chapter 9 Introduction to Latin America

2. Historical Overview Conquistador Cultural Convergence Caudillo Physical Characteristics Pampas Cay Coral Key Concepts

3. Historical Overview • The first people in the Americas to settle and form complex societies were the Mayans and Aztecs in Mexico, and the Incas of S. America; both of whom were skilled farmers. • Conquistadors came from Europe to take over much of S. America, bringing with slaves and new culture to converge with the natives • In the late 1700s and Early 1800s many Latin American leaders fought and succeeded for their independence from any form of European rule • After independence Latin American experienced many problems because of their dependence on Europe for trade/money and b/c local military leaders (Caudillo’s favored upper class) • Latin America struggled to find a political identity throughout the 1900s, going through various rebellions, land and constitutional reforms, and communist dictatorships • Latin America reached for substantial economic gains through policies adopted by various governments that reduced dependence on single crops, promoted modern technology and industry, and eased debt

4. Physical Characteristics • Andes Mountains • Highest mountains of Latin America • W/ other mtns. Runs the length of Latin America • Amazon Lowlands • Amazon river basin • Pampas • Physical Processes • Helped form • Cays: islands from coral • Andes Mtns. • Earthquakes/Volcanoes occur where tectonic plates meet.

5. Conquistador Name for the Spanish explorers who claimed land in the Americas for Spain • Pizarro here • Conquered the Incan Empire

6. Pampas A low Grasslands region in Argentina and Uruguay.

7. Cay A small, low island or coral reef

8. Coral Rock-like skeletons of tiny sea-animals

9. Cultural Convergence The contact and interaction of one culture with another

10. Caudillo A Latin American military dictator • Juan Manual De Rosas was caudillo of Argentina