LATIN AMERICA HISTORY AND CULTURE Chapters 10, 11, 12

What were the cultures of Mexico like before the Spanish arrived? How did Spanish control change Mexico? What has Mexico’s history been like since independence? MEXICO History and Culture

Many cultures existed, each with its own language and customs. Farmers grew beans, corn, peppers, and squash. Complex civilizations—Maya, Olmec, Toltec, Zapotec—had large city centers. The Aztecs created an empire and a great capital city, Tenochtitlán, in south central Mexico. History and Culture Early Cultures of Mexico

Question What changes occurred in Mexico during the colonial period? History and Culture

ReligionPopulationGovernmentFarming Many indigenous people were killed by European diseases.Small communal ejidos were replaced by large haciendas. Aztec Empire was replaced by a Spanish colonial government. Mestizos became the largest segment of the population.Most people were converted to Roman Catholicism. History and Culture Disease

After independence (1821), powerful families still in control Northern territory lost in 1848 after war with United States Late 1800s—Foreign investment fueled economic growth, inequality Mexican Revolution (1910–1920)—Some reform, but power remained in few hands Modern economy open to foreign business Increasingly urban and industrial, with large tourist industry Society changing rapidly; more democratic politics History and Culture Mexico since Independence

How does Central America’s history continue to shape the region today? What economic, political, and social conditions exist in the region? What factors influenced the development of central America’s cultural heritage? Central America History and Culture

Central America’s Cultural Heritage Catholicism Unequal distribution of wealth Spanish colonists introduced Spanish-style architecture and town planning Mestizos a major ethnic group Spanish language

Commercial export agriculture, with strong foreign influence Powerful families control society, government, military Widespread poverty and inequality causing emigration, unrest El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala—Violence, civil war Honduras—Poorest country; rough terrain, lack of development Panama—Variety of conditions, from wilderness jungle to modern industry Costa Rica—Greatest stability, highest standard of living Central America Economic, Political, and Social Conditions

What are some important events in the history of the Caribbean? What cultural and population patterns are found in the region? What activities support the economies of the Caribbean countries? The Caribbean

Columbus’s arrival in 1492 began Spanish colonization. British, Dutch, and French competed for control. Europeans created plantations based on slave labor. Haiti gained independence in U.S. took Cuba and Puerto Rico from Spain in the Spanish-American War of Many Caribbean islands remained colonies until the mid-1900s. The Caribbean Important Events in Caribbean History

Question What nations have influenced the culture of countries in the Caribbean? The Caribbean

African—Most countries, notably Haiti and Jamaica American—Cuba, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands Asian—Trinidad and Tobago, others British—Several countries Cultural Influence in the Caribbean

The Caribbean Dutch—Aruba, Netherlands Antilles, others Caribbean Indian—Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Aruba, the Netherlands Antilles, others French—Several countries, notably Haiti Spanish—Several countries, notably Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic Cultural Influence in the Caribbean

Mainly of European and African descent Asian immigrants influence some countries (Trinidad and Tobago) Small Caribbean Indian population Language—Based on colonial history (Spanish, English, French, Dutch, creole) Religion—Catholic, Protestant, African, Hindu, Islamic The Caribbean Cultural Patterns

70% of the population lives in Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic Largest city is Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic’s capital Rapid population growth produces unemployment, emigration, urbanization The Caribbean Population Patterns

Except for Cuba (command economy), market economies dominate the region. Caricom, the Caribbean Community and Common Market, was developed to promote industry and trade. Agricultural exports are the key activity: sugar, bananas, cacao, citrus, spices. Mining is important in some countries. Puerto Rico has developed industry based on U.S. policies. Tourism is important throughout the region. The Caribbean Economic Activities

What were some important events in the early history of South America? How did the colonial era and independence affect South America? What are some important features of South America’s cultures? SOUTH AMERICA History and Culture

First inhabitants, hunter-gatherers, arrived more than 12,000 years ago. Various early civilizations arose, including the Chibcha of Colombia. Incan civilization spanned much of Andean region. Spanish conquered the Inca in the 1530s. Spain and Portugal divided the continent: Spain in the west, Portugal in the east. Colonists brought new plants, animals, and diseases. Portuguese brought slave labor to Brazil to work sugar plantations. South America History and Culture Early History

Question How did the colonial period and independence affect South America? History and Culture

Colonization Inca conquered Lands taken by Europeans European animals and agricultural products introduced Death of indigenous people from European diseases and conquest Dictatorships supported by wealthy families Military coups and political instability Countries still isolated Borders still on colonial boundaries Independence Causes and Effects in South America’s History

Great Ethnic Variety—Mixed-race, European, American Indian, African, East Indian, Japanese Language—Reflects colonization; Indian languages still spoken Religion—Majority Roman Catholic; also Hinduism, Islam, traditional indigenous religions Traditional Culture, despite change History and Culture Cultural Features