1. Follow along and add new information as we go. No problems, mon!

2. Initial Contact between Spanish & Native American A direct result of the initial contact between Spanish Conquistadors and Native Americans in the “New World” in the 1490s was the introduction of new diseases of which Native Americans had no immunity.

3. Demand for Resources The current destruction of rainforests in Central and South America is due mostly to human demand of timber and farmland.

4. Slash & Burn A method of agriculture in which existing vegetation is cut down and burned off before new seeds are sown, typically used as a method for clearing forest land for farming. Ash from burned trees supplies soil with nutrients (fertility lasts about 2 years only).

5. Technological Innovations of the Age of Exploration Caravel – Type of ship used by explorers – known for speed and maneuverability. Astrolabe - helped sailors measure the angle of the sun which could then be converted to find latitude. Magnetic Compass & Compass Rose - helped explorers by showing them what direction they were headed. Compass rose told direction.

6. Belize The only country in Central America whose official language is “English.” 2 nd largest barrier reef in the world lies offshore of Belize.

7. Soccer Favorite national sport of most Latin American countries. Originated in “Old World” – brought to “New World” by European sailors who played in Buenos Aires, Argentina in late 1800s.

8. Pre-Colombian Civilizations The three (3) Pre-Colombian native American civilizations that dominated parts of Latin America were the Aztec, Inca, and Maya.

9. Population Growth Population in the Caribbean region is growing quickly. This has led to many problems: High Unemployment High rates of emigration to U.S. Rapid urbanization

10. Economic Development All nations have a market economy - except Cuba which has a command economy. The region is largely agricultural. To promote more trade and the development of industry, the countries have joined together and formed Caricom. Tourism is a key economic industry.

11. Compare How could people living in the mountains adapt to their environment