Latin America & Caribbean: Essential Facts and History

Ancient Civilizations of Mesoamerica

Maya Civilization (200-900 A.D.)

• One of two highly organized civilizations in Mexico/Central America.
• Ruled by religious leaders.
• Known for building pyramids and large palaces.

Aztec Empire

• Another highly organized culture from Mexico/Central America.
• Main city: Tenochtitlan.
• Developed terraced slopes to prevent soil erosion.

Key Historical Events

Mexican Independence (1821)

Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.

Key Terms and Concepts

Latifundista: Large Estates

A latifundista refers to a great estate in Latin America or Spain.

Transculturation: Cultural Blending

The process where two cultures come together and produce a new one. An example is the Mestizos.

Caribbean Nations and Influences

Jamaica: British Influence

Jamaica's culture and systems show significant British influence.

Dominican Republic: Spanish Influence

Occupies two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, with a strong Spanish influence.

Haiti: French Influence

Occupies one-third of the island of Hispaniola, with a distinct French influence.

Bermuda: British Influence, Non-Caribbean

Bermuda is geographically distinct from the Caribbean, though it shares British influence.

Modern Mexican Politics

Mexican Elections: Vicente Fox and PRI Return

• Election 2000: A significant upset occurred when Vicente Fox won the presidency.
• His successor, Felipe Calderón, continued efforts to combat drug cartels.
• The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) returned to power in 2012.

PRI: Institutional Revolutionary Party

The PRI (Partido Revolucionario Institucional) improved and nationalized the oil industry, and also enhanced education in Mexico.

Key Agricultural Products

Coca: Source of Cocaine

A tropical shrub whose dried leaves are the source of cocaine, found in South America and the West Indies.

Cacao: Cocoa and Chocolate Source

A small evergreen tree whose seeds are used to produce cocoa and chocolate, cultivated in Central and South America.

South American Geography and Climate

Paraguay: Gran Chaco's Extreme Environment

Paraguay is divided into two main parts. The western two-thirds, known as the Gran Chaco, features one of the continent's harshest environments, characterized by:

• A distinct rainy season.
• A dry, hot season with temperatures reaching up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit (the highest in South America).

Bolivia: Two Capitals

Bolivia uniquely has two capitals: La Paz and Sucre.

Brazil: Global Metropolitan Hub

Brazil boasts the 3rd largest metropolitan area in the world.

Forward Capital: Strategic Relocation

A "forward capital" is a country's capital city that has been moved for strategic reasons, typically related to:

• Weather conditions.
• Economic development.
• Political objectives.

An example is Brasília, Brazil.

Brazil's Economic Boom and Bust Cycles

Brazil's economic history is marked by various boom and bust cycles, driven by different commodities in distinct regions:

• Sugar: Northeast region.
• Gold and Diamonds: North Rio region.
• Rubber: Amazon region.
• Coffee: Southern region.

Puerto Rico's Development

Operation Bootstrap: Puerto Rico's Economic Growth

Operation Bootstrap was a program initiated by the U.S. and Puerto Rico to stimulate economic growth by increasing tourism, agriculture, and industry.

Puerto Rico: Commonwealth Status

As a U.S. commonwealth, residents are U.S. citizens and receive federal benefits, though they do not pay federal income tax.

Central American Development

Costa Rica: A Model of Development

Costa Rica is notably more developed than many other Central American countries due to several factors:

• A stable democratic government.
• Leaders prioritized investment in roads and education.
• This focus led to a strong national infrastructure and a robust middle class.