Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean

History of the Region President Obama begins to lift the US trade Embargo with Cuba Mayan civilization begins in Mexico and Central America Columbus lands in what is today the Bahamas Mexico gains its independence from Spain 2600 BC 1492 AD 1821 AD 2016 AD 1521 AD 1428 AD 1959 AD Aztec rule begins in central Mexico Cortez conquers the Aztecs. Mexico city built on the ruins of the Aztec capital Communist dictator Fidel Castro takes power in Cuba

Important Geography Mexico City – Massive urban area of over 20 Million people Panama Canal – connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

Government and Economy of the Region The government of Cuba has been a communist dictatorship since 1959. Fidel Castro ruled Cuba as a dictator from 1959-2008. His brother, Raul Castro took over in 2008 and continues to rule as dictator today. Cuba operates as a strict command economy. The USA has implemented a trade embargo (will not trade with a country) with Cuba. President Obama loosened the terms of the trade embargo in 2016, but there are still tensions between the USA and Cuba today. Many people in this region survive by subsistence farming. This means only growing enough food to feed you and your family. NAFTA – Trade agreement between the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Free Trade = Lower cost of goods

The Olmecs The Olmecs lived in southern and central Mexico from 1200 – 400 BC. The Olmecs are most famous for their large stone head carvings, some of which were over ten feet tall and weighed up to 20 tons. The Olmecs were the first people to grow maize (corn), and produce objects out of rubber.

The Maya The Maya lived in what is today the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico from 250 – 900 AD. The Maya were an advanced civilization who built many large cities and monuments in the Yucatan and further south into Central America. The Maya created a complex calendar based on a 365 day solar year, much like ours. They accomplished this by watching the stars, and discovering the number “0”.

The Aztecs The Aztecs ruled central Mexico from 1428 to 1521 AD They built large cities and religious centers where they worshiped many different gods with human sacrifice. The Aztecs built their capital, Tenochtitlan in the middle of lake Texcoco, the current site of modern day Mexico City. The Aztec civilization ended in 1521 when the Spanish Conquistador Hernan Cortez conquered their capital and killed their leader Montezuma. Many of the Aztecs died from Smallpox, a disease brought to Mexico by the Spanish. The Aztecs called themselves the “Mexica”. This is where Mexico gets its name.