Spanish and Portuguese Influence in Latin America “Our nation was born in genocide when it embraced the doctrine that the original American, the Indian, was an inferior race. Even before there were large numbers of Negroes on our shore, the scar of racial hatred had already disfigured colonial society…” - Martin Luther King Jr.

Today, most people in these areas speak Spanish Spanish Colonization Spanish explored, conquered and settled areas of Florida, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America Also claimed many islands in the Caribbean Today, most people in these areas speak Spanish

Portuguese Colonization Portugal claimed the land from the Atlantic Ocean across South America to the Andes Mountains. It covered most of the vast Amazon river, in which is not present-day Brazil. Today, most people in this area (Brazil) speak Portuguese.

Cultural Diffusion The Spanish and Portuguese spread their culture and religion across the region: Devolved colonies that were similar to the ones in Europe Conquered the natives and forced them to learn Spanish and Portuguese and convert to Roman Catholicism

New Social Classes Emerge Europeans living with Native Americans and Africans creates a diverse society. New social classes emerges with people with European blood and ancestors often having better paying jobs, better education and healthcare, and more money than people of Native American or African descent.