1. Latin America “Why study Latin America?” ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

2.  18% of U.S. citizens are of Latin American heritage. Hispanics represent the largest minority in the U.S.  U.S. history is closely linked to Latin America.  Latin America is one of the most important region for U.S. trade and investment.  It helps eliminate stereotypes!

3. U.S. culture is heavily influenced by Latin American song, dance, art, food, fashion and sport.

4. Includes:  Mexico  7 countries in Central America  Islands of the Caribbean  12 Countries of South America  And 1 dependency- French Guiana.

5. Latin America Physical Overview Notes

7. Middle America (Mexico & Central America)  Very Mountainous  Climate most affected by elevation  Mexico is called “country of mountains”  Over 100 active volcanoes on Pacific coast  Caribbean coast = lowlands

9. Caribbean  3 groups of islands = Bahamas, Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles  Group of islands are made differently: –Bahamas = cays(keys) coral –Greater Antilles = underwater mnts. –Lesser Antilles = volcanic activity

10. Caribbean (cont.)  Chain of Islands 2,000 miles long (Archipelago)  Largest Islands: –Cuba –Hispaniola (Haiti & Dominican Republic) –Puerto Rico –Jamiaca

12. South America  Very similar to North America  West = high rugged mnts.(Andes mnts.)  Central = plains (Amazon basin & Pampas)  East = low, rounded mnts. (Brazilian Highlands)

13. Atacama Desert  Driest place on Earth.  Evidence suggests some areas have not had rain for 120,000 years.

14. Pampas  Fertile grasslands  Similar to Great Plains in North America

15. Amazon River Basin  Largest river basin on Earth  11 million cubic feet per second released into the Atlantic Ocean

16. Andes Mountains  Longest mountain range on Earth  Highest peak is Chimborazo 20,564 feet (Ecuador)  Mining

17. Latin American Population  Most people live near the coast.  In Mexico they live near the center.  Twice as many people as in the U.S.  ½ live in cities.

18. Economic Activity  Most Economies are based on agriculture –Cash crops include coffee, bananas, and sugar cane.

19. Agriculture  Latifundia: Large estates owned by families or corporations  Minifundia: smaller farms that produce for the family and sell in the market.

20. THE MOST INDUSTRIALIZED COUNTRIES ARE MEXICO (MOTOR VEHICLES, ELECTRIC GOODS) & BRAZIL (IRON, STEEL, AUTOMOBILES, TEXTILES, MACHINERY)

21. Economies (cont.) INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IS SLOW BECAUSE OF LACK OF CAPITAL, SKILLED WORKERS & RAW MATERIALS LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES RELY ON EACH OTHER ECONOMICALLY. THIS HAS CREATED A LARGE AMOUNT OF FOREIGN DEBT.

22. Latin American Oil  Venezuelan & Mexican oil reserves are among the top 10 in the world  Oil generates about 80% of Venezuela’s export revenues  The Hugo Chavez government is in complete control of the oil industry in Venezuela  Venezuela’s state owned oil company acquired Citgo in 1980.

23. Panama Canal  The “crossroads” of world trade.  Built by the United States under President Teddy Roosevelt from 1904-1914.  The United States controlled the Canal until December 31, 1999

25. History  Land conquered by the Spanish  Conquistadors.

26. History (cont.)  Many unstable governments, military leaders and revolutions.  Most striving toward Democracy except Cuba (Fidel Castro) & Venezuela (Hugo Chavez)

27. Ancient Civilizations

29.  Lived in Mexico’s Central Plateau (feared and hated by others in Mexico).  Warlike people, defeated more settled people and forced them into paying taxes.  Became skilled builders-Built the capital city of Tenochtitlan in the middle of a lake.  Worshiped many Gods – Sun God –Thought it would weaken and die if it was not fed blood and humans hearts. Engaged in warfare to provide human sacrifices.

31. Tenochtitlan  Founded as the Aztec capital in 1325  It was built in the center of Lake Texcoco  At one time, over 200,000 people lived in this city  The city flourished until 1519, when Cortes and the Spanish arrived

34.  Lived more towards Central America – Yucatan Peninsula  Agriculture type of people (slash and burn)  Scientific and artistic achievements: –1. Calendar –2. Use of zero in math (Europeans did not use) –3. Developed a written language Reasons are unknown why they began to abandon their cities at about 800 – 900 AD

37.  Empire lasted about 100 yrs.  Included parts of 5 present day countries.  Advanced methods of agriculture. –Irrigation –Fertilizers –Terraced Farming Very religious Transporting goods = Stone highways, suspension bridge Strong and complex government - forced population to save food for famine. Took census without a writing system. Kept records by tying knots in a rope device called a “quipu”.

39. Mexico Culture

40. Spanish culture of Mexico  4 social classes –1. Peninsulares (Spanish Born) –2. Criollos (Spanish/New world born –3. Mestizos (Spanish/Native Indian) –4. Native Indian

41.  Haciendas – Mexican Plantation Class structure lasted 300 years. *Until 1821 – Mexico was a colony of Spain *1920 – Became a Democracy after 10 yrs. Of struggle. *Family is a very important factor in Mexican life.

42. Mexico City  2 nd largest city in the world with a population of over 22 million  Located where the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan was located

43.  Most Mexicans are Roman Catholic  66% of the population is urban.  ECONOMICS – Most Important Industries in Mexico are: PETROLEUM – 4TH LARGEST PRODUCER IN THE WORLD TOURISM – CALLED THE “SMOKELESS INDUSTRY

44. Puerto Rico

45.  Common wealth to the U.S. –Elect own governor and legislative body. –People have full U.S. citizenship –Do not pay income taxes –They cannot vote in presidential elections –Enter or leave any part of the U.S. at will