1. Human Geography of Latin America

2. First Nations

3. Which civilization emerged in the Yucatan Peninsula?

4. What do you know about these people?

5. Time Period: 1492 to mid- 1800s

6. Who was there before?  Mexico – Aztecs  South America – Incas  Why were the Spanish able to conquer the natives so quickly?  “guns, germs, and steel”

7. Independence Movements  Mexico – 1821, starts domino effect of independence movements Agustin de Iturbide

8. Cultural Contributions  Religion – Christianity (Catholicism)  Language – Spanish primarily, Portuguese, French, Dutch, English  European governments  European sports – Ex: Soccer Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral

9. What is the dominant religion in Mexico?

10. Where did the dominant language come from?? The other languages?

11. Today’s Issues  Income inequality – large gap between rich and poor. Also evident in land ownership.

12. Maquiladoras  Many Mexican factories have been built along the U.S. border.  These factories assemble imported material into finished products and then export to the US.

13. Mexican Workers Today  Emigration- many Mexican workers leave Mexico for the United States in search of work. As a result, families experience separation from their loved ones.

15. What could cause such high pollution in Mexico City?

16. What are the top 2 countries Mexico exports to? Why?