Cultural Geography of Latin America Chapter 9, Section 1: Mexico

Map of Mexico

The Tri-Color Current Flag (1968-Present The First Flag of the Mexican Republic (1867-1893) Current Flag (1968-Present

Important Vocabulary Indigenous: people descended from an area’s first inhabitants. Mestizo: people of Native American and European descent. Urbanization: movement of people from rural areas to cities. Megacity: a city with a population over 10 million. Prime City: an urban area that dominates a country’s economic, political, and cultural affairs. Mexico City (19.5 million). Glyph: picture writings carved in stone. Chinampas: floating “islands” made from large rafts.

Important Vocabulary (Cont’d) Conquistador: a (Spanish) conqueror. Hernan Cortes. Viceroy: a royally appointed official. Caudillo: a dictator. Syncretism: the blending of beliefs and practices. Malnutrition: lack of proper food. Mural: wall paintings. Mosaic: pictures made with colored stone or tile. Extended Family: large family – great/grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins with parents and children.

The Mexican Population As of 2012, 109.6 million people in Mexico. Most populous Spanish-speaking country. First peoples likely came to Mexico 40,000 to 60,000 years ago from Asia. Mayan Civilization in the Yucatan Peninsula. Aztec Empire in southern Mexico. The population density is 146 people per square mile. Economic conditions has led to external migration.

Mayan & Aztec Empire Mayan Civilization – 250-900AD. Established cities, built terraces, courts, temples, calendars. Agricultural and trade economy. Mayans mysteriously left cities. Aztec Empire – 1300s-1519. Heavy agriculture (Mexico City). Highly-structured class system.

Spanish Conquest Aztec Empire still growing when Spanish came in 1519. Hernan Cortes defeated the Aztecs in 1521 and claimed Mexico for Spain. For 3 centuries, Mexico was part of Spanish Empire. Viceroyalty. In the late-1700s, hostility towards Spanish rule grew.

Mexican Independence Mexico was first Latin American country to gain independence. Father Miguel Hidalgo led independence movement in 1810. Finally gained in 1821. Power in the new Mexican Republic remained under the control of wealthy landowners, army officers, and clergy.

Years of Instability This led to public dissatisfaction, power struggles, and numerous revolts. The late-19th century saw Mexican dictatorships with military and landowners’ support.

The 20th Century New constitution in 1917 made Mexico a federal republic: executive (single, 6 year term), legislative, and judicial branches. From 1929 to 2000: one party rule under Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI). The Partido Accion Nacional (PAN) under Vicente Fox won election. In 2006, Felipe Calderon continued PAN’s presidential control. PRI re-claimed control under Enrique Pena Nieto.

Mexican Culture Spanish is the official language. Roughly 90% are Roman Catholic. Most public schools are in rural areas. Lack of gov’t funding and qualified teachers. Gov’t subsidized healthcare. However, poor quality. Revival in indigenous arts and music. Mexicans highly value family. Fiestas. Bullfighting, soccer, and baseball.

Cultural Geography of Latin America Chapter 9, Section 2: Central America and the Caribbean

Map of Central American and the Caribbean

Important Vocabulary Dialect: a form of a language unique to a particular place or group. Patois: dialects that blend indigenous, European, African, and Asian languages. Matriarchal: the family being ruled by the woman such as mother, grandmother, or aunt. Particular in the Caribbean.

The Population Great diversity of indigenous people and European settlers: Spanish, English, French, Dutch, African, Indian, and Chinese. The first inhabitants were indigenous people. At least 2/3 of Central Americans are mestizos. Millions of European immigrants to the Caribbean. Africans first arrived as slaves. Slavery ended there in the late-1800s. Because of land masses, Caribbean nations are densely populated. Mass emigration from Central America and the Caribbean. Roughly 66% live in urban areas.

European Conquests Columbus’ explorations in the Caribbean (1492-1504) led to Spanish colonization. First European settlement was Hispaniola in 1493. Seeking gold.* The Spanish defeated the Native Americans and they were made to mine for gold and work on plantations. By the mid-1600s, African slaves were imported to meet labor shortages.

The Columbian Exchange Colonization led to world trade: movement of plants, animals, people, and diseases among the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The transfers of infectious diseases led to serious and long-standing effects on both sides of the Atlantic.*

Independence In the late-1700s, Native Americans and Africans desired independence. Francois Toussaint-Louverture led a slave revolt in Haiti. Independence gained in 1804 (France).* Caribbean nations were the last to gain independence. Cuba in 1898 (Spain). Jamaica in 1962 (Britain). Central America gained its independence in the 1800s. Efforts to form a union in 1823 failed.

20th Century Changes The 20th century brought political, social, and economic changes. The Panama Canal brought new industries, railroads, and new trades.* Cuban revolution under Fidel Castro in 1959 – communist dictatorship.* The 1990s witnessed an end to military dictatorships for democratically-elected gov’ts. Continued struggles exist for an end to corruption and economic opportunities.

Culture Spanish is primary language spoken. Also: English, French, Dutch; dialects. In Central America, 4 out of 5 are Roman Catholic. In the Caribbean: Spanish and French-speaking islands are Roman Catholic. English-speaking are Protestant. Education varies greatly. Many do not complete elementary school due to long-distances and lack of funds. Health-care also varies on living standards. Much malnutrition and diseases.

Culture (Cont’d) Many early Native American artworks – carving, pottery, weaving, metals. Music and dances combined from native and European styles.* Family is society’s basic unit. Improvement helps determine social class status. Baseball, basketball, and volleyball are very popular.*

Cultural Geography of Latin America Chapter 9, Section 3: South America

Map of South America

Important Vocabulary Brain Drain: loss of highly educated citizens and skilled workers to other countries. Quipu: a series of knotted cords of various colors and lengths. Used by Incas to keep records.

The Population World’s 4th largest continent – 386 million people. The indigenous groups live in the Andes region of Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. The Spanish and Portuguese were the first Europeans. Africans also came as slaves. Millions of European immigrants from Italy, Germany, France. High rate of population growth – settlement challenges. South American nations have low population densities. Also mass emigration for better living conditions. Roughly 80% live in urban areas.

Early Cultures Before the Incas, early groups were: Moche*, Mapuche, and Aymara – they were agricultural societies (1st century AD). Inca Empire (1200s-1537): highly- developed civilization with a central gov’t. Skilled engineers, temples, roadworks, irrigation systems. The Incas thrived on vast gold and silver. This attracted Spanish conquistadors.*

European Conquests From Panama, Francisco Pizarro sailed to Peru and destroyed the Inca Empire. From Peru, the Spanish expanded into Colombia, Argentina, and Chile.* The Portuguese settled in Brazil while the English, French, and Dutch settled in northern South America.* Viceroyalties were established. The colonies became sources of wealth for the European powers. Slave labor too.

Independence The American, French, and Mexican Revolutions encouraged South America to seek independence. Leaders such as Simon Bolivar of Venezuela and Jose de San Martin of Argentina helped achieve this goal.* Only Brazil peacefully gained its independence. French Guiana is still part of France. Suriname gained its independence from Holland in 1975.

Struggles These newly independent states struggled, lacking traditional self- gov’t. Power was maintained by the elites – caudillos seized power. Dictatorships eventually gave way to democratic gov’ts in some countries. Political corruption still poses issues. People seek an end to violence, economic liberties and basic rights.

Culture Spanish, Portuguese, English, French, and Dutch are spoken. The majority are Roman Catholic, but other religions are practiced. Education varies. More funding has increased literacy rates. Healthcare varies on economics. Traditional arts and crafts continue. Popular music and dance: Argentine tango and Brazilian samba.* Strong family households – loyalty. Great passion for soccer, basketball, auto racing , tennis, and boxing.*