A MAGNIFICENT BLEND! 12/7/2018 Bennifield

STANDARD The student will describe the cultural characteristics of people who live in Latin America and the Caribbean 12/7/2018 Bennifield

Essential Question How has the blending of ethnic groups impacted the people and the culture of Latin America? 12/7/2018 Bennifield

The people and cultures of Latin America are an interesting blend of the native groups in the region and influences of the countries that established colonies there. 12/7/2018 Bennifield

Language is the major factor that links together all the countries of the area and makes it a culture region. 12/7/2018 Bennifield

Because most of the countries in Latin America were conquered by Spain, the Spanish language is the most-spoken language of the region. 12/7/2018 Bennifield

Since Portugal claimed Brazil, Brazilians speak the Portuguese language. 12/7/2018 Bennifield

12/7/2018 Bennifield

After Spanish settlers moved into Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean, ethnic groups began to blend. 12/7/2018 Bennifield

12/7/2018 Bennifield

Spanish people married Native Americans. 12/7/2018 Bennifield

Their children were called mestizos, or people of mixed European and Indian ancestry. 12/7/2018 Bennifield

12/7/2018 Bennifield

Soon, African slaves from Africa were brought to Latin America. 12/7/2018 Bennifield

12/7/2018 Bennifield

When they married Europeans, their children were known as mulattos, or people of mixed African and European descent. 12/7/2018 Bennifield

Queen Charlotte of Britain 12/7/2018 Bennifield

The children of Europeans who were born in Latin America are known as Creoles. Creoles once had a higher social rank than other groups in Latin America. Creoles were more likely to own land, had a higher economic status, were better-educated and worked in government jobs/positions. One of the most famous creoles was Simon Bolivar. Bolivar led the fight for independence (freedom) from Spain. He was born in Venezuela to European parents. Statues of Bolivar can be found throughout South America and the country of Bolivia was named after him. 12/7/2018 Bennifield

12/7/2018 Bennifield

The major religion in Latin America is Catholicism—again, brought by the European settlers. 12/7/2018 Bennifield

Religion Religion is another factor that links together Latin American countries and is an important part of Latin American culture. The colonial countries from Europe, mainly Spain and Portugal, felt that it was their role on earth to spread Christianity. Catholicism (a denomination of Christianity) is the main religion practiced in Latin America today. Overall, 84% of Latin American adults report that they were raised Catholic. The second largest denomination of Christianity are evangelicals/other branches of Christianity. 12/7/2018 Bennifield

12/7/2018 Bennifield