Human Geography of South America

1. Human Geography of South America Ch. 9.2

2. Questions on Machu Picchu Video • 1. What led to the end of the Inca Empire? 2. What happened to the city of Machu Picchu after it was abandoned? • 3. How did the city of Machu Picchu display advanced skills in construction?

3. Answers to Video • 1. Spanish conquistadors destroyed the Inca Empire around 500 years ago. • 2. The city was “lost” in a cloud forest for 400 years. In 1911 it was rediscovered. • 3. The city had streets cut into the mountainsides. Sewers carried waste away from the city, and a water system brought water into the city from the mountains. The city had elaborate stone carvings. Walls and buildings in the city had massive stone blocks that fit together very closely

4. The Inca established their empire in the Andes and were skilled engineers:-laid out a network of roads-cut terraces into the slopes of the Andes and build irrigation systems-used quipus for financial and historical records

5. The Inca Empire’s wealth and highly developed infrastructure attracted Spanish conquistadors.

6. The massive buildings of the ancient Inca reveal a mastery of stone and engineering that are still studied today.

7. Portuguese, British, French, and Dutch settlers also established colonies, which drastically reduced indigenous populations.

8. In the 1800s, independence movements led by Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín emerged.

10. Dictatorships dominated the postcolonial period. Bolivia- Hugo Banzer ( to 2001) Venezuela- Hugo Chavez (to 2013)

11. Today, democratically elected governments struggle with economic and social justice issues.

14. The once-high population growth has moderated.

15. Most people live in cities in the coastal regions where there is a favorable climate, fertile land, and access to transportation.

17. Highly populated urban areas make finding jobs and affordable housing difficult for migrants.

18. Countries across South Many Countries across South America are experiencing brain drainto North America and Europe as people search for a better life. Definition of brain drain :the departure of educated or professional people from one country, economic sector, or field for another usually for better pay or living conditions

21. South America is a blend of native, European, Asian, and African languages and traditions.

22. The majority of people are Roman Catholic, though less common religions include Protestantism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Shinto, Islam, and Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

23. The quality of education and health care varies greatly from country to country and from urban to rural areas.

24. Indigenous crafts, art, and architecture reflect the history of the native cultures.

25. Oil resources, agriculture, and mining of the abundant natural resources all contribute to South America’s economic development.

26. Manufacturing is growing rapidly, but physical geography influences commercial activity.

27. Many countries in the region are still considered developing countries.

28. Increased cooperation between countries through trade partnerships and infrastructure is improving economic growth.