BR: T2D17 So how do you feel about, Slavery / Colonization in America based on your research, etc. Is it a major factor today? Why / why not?

World Geography Today we learn a bit more about Latin America, especially its modern history.

Ch. 8.1, Part II Forming New Nations By the late 1700s, revolutions in both North America as well as France had kindled feelings of independence in the people of Latin America as well. Colonists wanted to take charge of their own affairs, governments, etc., both whites, looking for self-rule, and Native Americans and blacks, looking for freedom from oppression. Haiti was the first to revolt. A French colony, the enslaved Africans revolted, led by Toussaint- Louverture. They fought for the same rights that the poor French fought for in France. It was the only nation created by a formerly enslaved people. In Mexico, two priests fought for the poor as well, Miguel Hidalgo and Jose Maria Morelos, who at first failed, but eventually freedom was won by 1821 VID, becoming an independent republic in 1823, along with the other countries of Central America.

South America Meanwhile, the fire of revolution has spread to South America as well! Simon Bolivar, a wealthy military leader, fights for independence in the North. In the south, Jose de San Martin is also fighting for freedom. He is a brave and daring man, also joins the fight. He and Simon meet in Peru, and declare the New Spain independent of their European overlords. Meanwhile, Brazil also goes independent in 1824, with the Crown Prince Dom Pedro taking control, with Brazil only later becoming a true republic in 1889. Latin American Revolutions Review As this occurred, many of these countries outlawed slavery, and more social mobility was allowed for the poor and oppressed. However, those of European descent still maintained a position of superiority over both Africans and Native Americans.

Stability & Problems These countries hoped for stability and democratic ideals and prosperous economies. These goals proved difficult to achieve. One issue was the constant political conflict that arose there. People fought over the role of religion in society, and many countries fought each other over boundaries, etc. And one of the biggest issues: tensions between the rich and the poor. Many strong leaders, aka caudillos, maintained positions of power in these countries, often reinforcing the societal structure and keeping the upper classes in power, and keeping the poor where they were (like Trump…?)

Exporting Products By the late 1800s, the economies of Latin America depended mainly on agriculture as well as mining. Other more industrialized countries, like the U.S. and Europe, wanted these products and were willing to pay for them. However, many Americans and Europeans also learned that if they created their own businesses in Latin America, they could get rich from exporting these goods back home. And they did just that, creating many companies that exported things like rubber, coffee, bananas, oil. Etc.

Foreign Investment In order to make more profit, many of these countries also specialized in just a few exports / products. Profits went up, but if demand went down, people would lose their jobs, and whole countries could and do sometimes enter economic depressions. VID This dependence on foreign investment brought positives as well, however. These investors developed infrastructure, like ports, railroads, roads, etc. Cities grew and developed as a result, and a rising middle class with lawyers, teachers, businesspeople, etc. developed. However, the wealthy still held most of the power.

Latin America & The U.S. From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, The U.S. increased its influence in Latin America. After the Spanish-American War (1898), Cuba became an independent republic under U.S. protection, and gained control of Puerto Rico. In 1903, the U.S. helped Panama to gain independence from Columbia, and in exchange, the U.S. was given the property needed to create the Panama Canal, which it owned until recently. VID, VID Over the next several decades, the U.S. landed troops in Nicaragua, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, etc. to protect its economic interests. This led to distrust between Latin America and the U.S., and finally in the 1930s, the U.S. announced the Good Neighbor Policy, under which the U.S. promised to not invade again Latin America and show greater respect to these countries.

Modern Times In more recent years, Latin America developed further. By the mid 1900s, they borrowed lots of money from American and European banks to further develop. They ended up in serious debt, and their economies suffered. Prices rose, people lost their jobs, and it was not good. Many countries had unrest, and people rebelled, dissatisfied with their situation. Cuba’s government was overthrown, and a communist state led by Fidel Castro emerged. Many other countries were embroiled in civil war, and many died. Reforms in the 1980s helped strengthen many countries, and in the 1990s, some countries were strengthened by democratic movements. Today, these countries face lots of challenges. Populations are growing too quickly, with not enough resources. Drugs and crime are high, and tensions between the rich and poor remain. Poverty, Drugs, Not All Bad

Legacy of Slavery in America I’d like you to consider the legacy of slavery / colonization here in our very own United States. You can look at it from many different angles (DUE: T2D18 / Monday) How the Native Americans are relegated to reservations, with huge problems of alcoholism, etc. #BLM, with huge problems (perceived or otherwise) regarding incarceration / police brutality against blacks, etc. Poverty in America: How can we solve this problem? Drug Use: should the war on drugs continue, or should drugs be legalized? See the Assignments for more options. You are either: A- Creating an Editorial Letter: DesNews Or B – Creating a Political Cartoon: Mr. Wright Explains, examples: Tax Plan, etc.