1. A MAGNIFICENT BLEND!

2. STANDARD
The student will describe the cultural characteristics of people who live in Latin America and the Caribbean

3. Essential Question
How has the blending of ethnic groups impacted the people and the culture of Latin America?
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4. 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.

5. Language is the major factor that links together all the countries of the area and makes it a culture region.
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6. Because most of the countries in Latin America were conquered by Spain, the Spanish language is the most-spoken language of the region.
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7. Since Portugal claimed Brazil, Brazilians speak the Portuguese language.

9. After Spanish settlers moved into Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean, ethnic groups began to blend.
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11. Spanish people married Native Americans.

12. Their children were called mestizos, or people of mixed European and Native American ancestry.

14. Soon, African slaves from Africa were brought to Latin America.

16. When they married Europeans, their children were known as mulattos, or people of mixed African and European descent.

17. Queen Charlotte of Britain
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18. 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.

20. The major religion in Latin America is Catholicism—again, brought by the European settlers.

21. 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.
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