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