1. History of South America

2. Pre-Columbian Society
Domesticated animals and crops that are still staples today
Potatoes, chilies, beans, llamas, and guinea pigs
The continent was settled by complex and far reaching civilizations
Between million people lived in South America before European contact

3. The Incan Empire
The Inca dominated the Andes before the Spanish arrived
Highly developed society with advanced stonework cities, terrace farming, and metalworking
Connected by a 25,000 kilometer road network
Francisco Pizarro and 180 soldiers are able to ambush Incan King Atahualpa and execute him after receiving a ransom of a room full of gold

5. European Colonization
The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) establishes an agreement between Spain and Portugal
Created a North/South line that divides S. America between the two countries
Longitude cannot accurately be measured so the line is poorly enforced and Brazil’s border crosses over
The Dutch, French, and British also establish small colonies hoping to cash in on stories of massive gold deposits and natural resources

7. Patterns Across Colonial Latin America
European colonists exploit local resources and native people
Native populations are decimated by European diseases, cruel systems of forced labor
Enslaved Africans are relied upon as reliable labor
European colonizers try to purge native religions and traditions and push conversion to Roman Catholicism
Native and European cultures blend together to create unique societies today

8. Road to Independence
In the early 1800s, most Spanish colonies gain independence thanks to local leaders and wars happening back in Europe
Simón Bolívar (Greater Colombia, Peru, Bolivia), José de San Martín (United Provinces of the River Plate, Chile, and Peru), and Bernardo O'Higgins (Chile).

9. Road to Independence
Brazil gains independence through uniquely peaceful events
The Portuguese monarch who had fled to Rio de Janeiro declared Brazil an independent nation in 1822
Further conflicts will continue to shape national borders and power statuses

10. Relationship with the United States
In 1823, the US establishes the Monroe Doctrine, declaring any further European interference in the Americas will be seen as a threat to the US
Meant to discourage European influence in the New World to allow for further establishment of US influence

12. Relationship with the United States
US influence grew in the 20th century due to political and economic interest in the region
Helped modernize industries but also increased economic dependence on the US

13. The Cold War and Beyond
South America became a political battleground in the 60s and 70s
Democratically elected governments are overthrown or displaced by military dictatorships
New governments imprisoned, tortured, and killed thousands to maintain control of population

14. The Cold War and Beyond
The threat of expanding communism and human rights violations increased US intervention in the region
Today, much of the continent is dealing with the effects of colonial rule, continuous political destabilization, and booming urban populations.