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This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of Latin America's history, beginning with the early civilizations of the Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas. It explores the impact of conquistadors from Europe who colonized the region, introducing new cultures and systems, often leading to the exploitation of indigenous peoples. The struggle for independence in the late 1700s and early 1800s paved the way for nation-building, yet many Latin American countries faced challenges like caudillo rule and economic dependency. The chapter also discusses the physical characteristics of the region, including the Andes Mountains, Pampas, and the Amazon Lowlands.
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Chapter 9 Introduction to Latin America
Historical Overview Conquistador Cultural Convergence Caudillo Physical Characteristics Pampas Cay Coral Key Concepts
Historical Overview • The first people in the Americas to settle and form complex societies were the Mayans and Aztecs in Mexico, and the Incas of S. America; both of whom were skilled farmers. • Conquistadors came from Europe to take over much of S. America, bringing with slaves and new culture to converge with the natives • In the late 1700s and Early 1800s many Latin American leaders fought and succeeded for their independence from any form of European rule • After independence Latin American experienced many problems because of their dependence on Europe for trade/money and b/c local military leaders (Caudillo’s favored upper class) • Latin America struggled to find a political identity throughout the 1900s, going through various rebellions, land and constitutional reforms, and communist dictatorships • Latin America reached for substantial economic gains through policies adopted by various governments that reduced dependence on single crops, promoted modern technology and industry, and eased debt
Physical Characteristics • Andes Mountains • Highest mountains of Latin America • W/ other mtns. Runs the length of Latin America • Amazon Lowlands • Amazon river basin • Pampas • Physical Processes • Helped form • Cays: islands from coral • Andes Mtns. • Earthquakes/Volcanoes occur where tectonic plates meet.
Conquistador Name for the Spanish explorers who claimed land in the Americas for Spain • Pizarro here • Conquered the Incan Empire
Pampas A low Grasslands region in Argentina and Uruguay.
Cay A small, low island or coral reef
Coral Rock-like skeletons of tiny sea-animals
Cultural Convergence The contact and interaction of one culture with another
Caudillo A Latin American military dictator • Juan Manual De Rosas was caudillo of Argentina
