Latin America
Latin America
Chapter 10
A Blending of Cultures
Section 1: MEXICO
(settlers vs. natives)
Colonialism & Independence
• Natives of Mexico: Toltecs, Maya, Aztecs
• Spanish Conquered Aztecs in Mexico– Led by Cortes
• Mexican Independence– Uneven distribution of land b/t peasants and
landowners
• Civil War
• Institutional Revolutionary Party– corrupt
A meeting of Cultures
• Spanish and native blend
• Aztecs:– Mighty temples– Religious sacrifices
• Spanish rule:– Destroyed Aztec community– Brought language and religion (dominate)– Mestizo
• Rich in art and architecture
Economics: Cities & Factories• Struggles:
– 1. Gap of rich and poor– 2. Develop into modern industrial economy
• Population and the Cities– Movement to cities, job opportunities
• Oil and Manufacturing– Oil helps to finance development– Manufacturing most important of econ.
Development– Maquiladoras– NAFTA
Mexican Life Today
• Emigration to U.S.– In search of better life, more $$, more
opportunities
• Education will become more important– Education allows for industrialization– Industrialization allows for economic properity
Section 2: Central America & the Caribbean
Native & Colonial C.A.– Cultural hearth- point where culture spreads
• Maya– Yucatan Peninsula– Pyramids (Tikal)
• Spanish influence– Spanish rule, then Mexican rule– United Provinces of Central America
• Became own countries
Native & Colonial Caribbean
• European rule:– Spanish, French, British, Dutch, Danish
• African influence– Slaves on sugar plantations
• Slave revolts, leads to independence
Cultural Blends• Central America:
– Native American– Spanish influence:
• Language• Religion= Catholocism• Land taken
• Caribbean:– Variety of cultural influences– Variety of religions:
• Catholicism, Santeria, Voodoo
– Languages:• Spanish mostly, French, English, Dutch/Danish
Economics: Jobs & People
• Mostly poor (colonialism)• Farming and trade
– Mostly sugar, but also fruits– Poor pay
• Panama Canal– Crossroads for trade of goods and ideas
• Location due to economies– C.A. mostly live in rural areas…farms– Caribbean mostly live in cities…tourism
Popular Culture, Tourism, Jobs• Tourism and the informal economy
– High pop. growth = high unemployment• Schools there to prepare with ag. & tourism skills
– Tourism most important industry, provides job opportunities
– Informal economy:• Street vending, shoe shining, etc. • No protection or benefits• Provide some income
Section 3: Spanish-Speaking S.A.
Conquest & End of Spanish Rule• The Inca
– Andes Mts. of Peru– Advanced civilization
• Spanish Conquest– Natives slaves to mining– Heritage replaced by Spanish culture
• Independence– Gained, but underdevelopment & political
instability due to geography
• Government by few– Oligarchy and military rule
Economics: Resources & Trade
• Economies of the region– Produces variety of resources:
• North- large farms, oil• West- fishing• South- grains and livestock
Education & the Future
• South American countries support education more so than Central America
Section 4: Brazil
History: A Divided Continent
• Treaty of Tordesillas – Divided S.A. for Europe
• Native peoples and Portuguese conquest– Portuguese colonist created sugar plantations– Native slaves died, African slaves replaced
• Independence for Brazil
A National Culture
• People of Brazil– Home to many immigrants worldwide
• Language and Religion– Catholicism and Portuguese– Also Protestant
An Economic Giant Awakens• Industrial Power
– Natural resources are abundant– River systems, oil reserves, natural gas– Highly industrialized: steel, autos
• Migration to Cities– Gap b/t rich and poor leads to urbanization– Abandon ag., growth of manufacturing
• Migration to Interior– Gvt. Encourages movement:
• Develop resources to spark economy
Brazilian Life Today• Major Cities
– Brasilia = political capital– Sao Paulo = economic heart/ largest city– Rio de Janeiro = cultural center
• Income gap • Slums/ favelas• High crime