1. CHAPTER 9

2.  A. New Cultures ◦ 1. Mayas & Aztecs established civilizations in Mexico ◦ 2. Incas conquered territory in South America ◦ 3. After Columbus landed in 1492, Spanish explorers, conquistadors, took over much of the land in Latin and South America ◦ 4. cultural convergence (merging of cultures) occurred here between the Natives, Europeans (Spanish & Portuguese), and Africans (slaves)

3.  B. Independent Republics ◦ 1. during the 1700s & 1800s, people from Latin America fought for independence & were successful ◦ 2. many republics were formed in Latin America, but they still did not form democracies ◦ 3. the colonial class structure (Europeans on top) remained and the economies were dependent on trade with Europe ◦ 4. local caudillos (military rulers) seized power and became dictators…they usually favored the rich

4.  C. Struggles for Reform ◦ 1. after many rebellions, some countries have improved rights and freedoms for its citizens ◦ 2. some countries in Latin & South America have moved towards democratic governments (Brazil, Guatemala, and Nicaragua)  D. Economic Gains ◦ 1. governments tried to reduce dependency on a single crop ◦ 2. promoted modern technology & industry ◦ 3. today, foreign countries can invest in businesses from Latin & South America, but they must abide by laws and regulations of the local governments

5.  A. Mountains ◦ 1. Andes Mountains are the highest mountains in South America ◦ 2. they are a part of the Ring of Fire  B. Lowlands ◦ 1. Amazon Basin is the lowland area drained by the Amazon River ◦ 2. high levels of rainfall provide an endless growing season ◦ 3. pampas – grassy plains in southeastern S. America  C. Earthquakes & Volcanoes ◦ 1. found along the Ring of Fire ◦ 2. many islands are also formed in the Caribbean Sea

6. AA. Summer & Fall – tropical storms & hurricanes hit the area from the Atlantic BB. Every 3 years or so, an ocean current called El Nino warms the Pacific and causes droughts and floods around the world CC. Both Latin and South America have a Tropical Climate

7.  A. Rainforests ◦ 1. Amazon rainforest is one of the largest ecosystems in the world ◦ 2. other rainforests can be found in Central America, Mexico, and various Caribbean islands  B. Grasslands ◦ 1. to the north and south of the Amazon rainforest ◦ 2. used for raising livestock and farming (pampas)  C. Desert ◦ 1. Mexico and South America support desert and desert scrub

8.  A. Latin Americans trace their ancestry to Native Americans, Africans, & Europeans ◦ 1. Mestizos – people of both Native American & European descent ◦ 2. Mulattoes – people of African and European descent

9.  A. Traditionally, most Latin American countries’ economies were based on cash crops (coffee and bananas)  B. Land in the rainforests are cleared to make new farmland (but most nutrients are lost)  C. Commercial Agriculture – most farms only provide for their own family, but some are beginning to use modern equipment to grow enough for more people  D. Auto Industry – manufacturing makes up 1/3 of the nation’s yearly production of goods

10. CountryType of Economy GDPUn- employment Leading Import Leading Export Mexico Cuba Brazil Honduras Market$9,000 3.0% MachineryManufactured goods Command $2,300SugarPetroleum4.1% 6.4% Machinery Manufactured goods Traditional Mixed $2,600 $7,400 28%