Latin America Flashcards
Which civilizations established themselves in Mexico and South America?
Aztecs, Maya, and Incas
These civilizations were known for their advanced societies and significant contributions to culture and agriculture.
What empires were created by Spain and Portugal in Latin America?
Empires that combined Native American, European, and African traditions
This cultural convergence shaped the diverse societies found in Latin America today.
What significant political change occurred in many Latin American countries during the 1900s?
Many countries moved toward democratic reforms
This shift was aimed at improving governance and representation in the region.
What are the major physical features of Latin America?
Mountain ranges, Amazon Basin, and pampas
The Ring of Fire affects seismic activity in the region.
What types of climates are found in Latin America?
Tropical wet, tropical wet and dry, humid subtropical, arid, semiarid, Mediterranean, marine west coast
These climates are influenced by atmospheric and oceanic currents.
What are the largest ecosystems in Latin America?
Tropical forests and tropical grasslands
These ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity and environmental health.
What factors contribute to the ethnic and cultural diversity in South America?
Migration patterns and ancestry of European, Native American, or African descent
Urbanization has influenced these patterns significantly.
What is the primary basis of Latin American economies?
Agriculture
Economies are diversifying to include more industrial activities.
What are the major industries in Mexico?
Petroleum extraction and tourism
These industries are vital for economic growth and development.
Fill in the blank: The __________ is a narrow strip of land that connects two larger land masses.
isthmus
What is the significance of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico?
Underground caverns and Mayan ruins attract tourism
The region’s geology is unique due to limestone dissolution.
How did Hernán Cortés impact the Aztec Empire?
He conquered the Aztec empire for Spain
His actions led to the establishment of New Spain.
What social classes emerged in New Spain after the conquest?
Peninsulares, criollos, mestizos, and Indians
Each class had different rights and privileges.
What was the outcome of the Mexican Revolution?
Established a federal republic with an elected president and congress
This marked a significant political change in Mexico.
What are ejidos in Mexico?
Land held collectively by members of a rural community
Farmers usually practice subsistence farming on ejidos.
How did NAFTA affect manufacturing in Mexico?
Manufacturing increased and unemployment declined
NAFTA facilitated trade and economic growth.
What are maquiladoras?
Factories that assemble products for export to the United States
They are primarily located along the US-Mexico border.
What are the main landforms found in Central America?
High rugged mountains and tropical lowlands
The region is geologically active with volcanoes.
What ethnic groups are predominant in Central America?
Indians, Europeans, mestizos, and Africans
Each group contributes to the region’s cultural diversity.
What has led to political conflicts in Central America?
Wealth inequality and government representation issues
Guerilla movements have arisen as a response to these conflicts.
What are the Caribbean islands primarily composed of?
Archipelagos: Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles, and the Bahamas
The islands vary in geological formation and climate.
True or False: The Caribbean islands have a uniform climate across all regions.
False
Climate varies significantly due to windward and leeward effects.
What primarily affects the climate of the Caribbean?
Sea and wind
Elevation has a lesser impact on the climate.
What is the average temperature in the Caribbean year-round?
80°F
Humidity levels are high.
How does rainfall differ on the windward and leeward sides of Caribbean islands?
Windward sides receive heavy rainfall up to 200 inches; leeward sides receive only about 30 inches.
What was the impact of European colonists on the indigenous population of the Caribbean?
Dramatic decrease in the Indian population during the colonial era.
From where does much of the Caribbean population descend?
Enslaved Africans brought to work on plantations.
What cultural influence is significant in the Caribbean?
African roots.
What demographic change occurred after the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean?
Many immigrants from East Asia and South Asia settled in the region.
What percentage of the Caribbean population lives in independent countries today?
About 90 percent.
How do the economies of many Caribbean islands primarily function?
Depend on agriculture.
What is a common occupation for many in the Caribbean related to agriculture?
Farm laborers.
What is a significant issue related to tourism in the Caribbean?
Most profits go to foreign companies.
Which two countries make up the island of Hispaniola?
Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Why do Caribbean islanders often migrate?
To find jobs.
What happens to many idle agricultural workers in the Caribbean?
They head to other islands, Central America, or the United States for work.
What has caused many refugees from Cuba and Haiti to seek asylum in the United States?
Political unrest.
How do emigrants benefit their families back in the Caribbean?
By sending money home.
Some Caribbean islands are still politically linked with _______.
European countries and the United States.
How does migration benefit the Caribbean islands?
Emigrants send money back to their families.
What has made Brazil the world’s largest exporter of sugar?
Sugar plantations on the coastal plain.
What is the sertão?
An interior plateau with hard soils and droughts.
What is a significant challenge faced by people in the sertão?
Short life expectancy due to low incomes and poor nutrition.
What happens to rural Brazilians who migrate to cities?
Many find no jobs or low-paying jobs.
What are favelas?
Slum communities in large cities.
What was the purpose of moving the capital to Brasília?
To boost development of the interior region.
What is the Amazon River basin known for?
Being the largest and least explored region in Brazil.
What is the average rainfall in the Amazon River basin?
More than 80 inches (200 cm) per year.
What type of vegetation is found above the timber line in the Andes?
Alpine tundra.
What is the primary economic activity in the Guianas?
Fishing and farming.
What mineral is extracted in Guyana and Suriname?
Bauxite.
What dominates the economy of Venezuela?
Petroleum.
What significant agricultural product do Colombian farmers depend on?
Coffee.
What is a major issue in Colombia’s agricultural system?
Social inequality and the focus on illegal crops.
What has affected the economy of Ecuador the most?
The discovery and export of oil.
Which region is home to most of Chile’s economic activity?
Central Valley.
What is the economic activity most greatly affecting the economy of Ecuador?
The discovery and export of oil.
Oil has become a crucial part of Ecuador’s economy, significantly influencing its growth and development.
Which region is home to most of Chile’s economic activity?
Central Valley.
The Central Valley is known for its fertile lands and agricultural production.
What are the physical characteristics of the southern grassland countries?
Pampas, Gran Chaco, Patagonia.
These regions include temperate grasslands, interior lowlands, and cold plateaus suitable for various agricultural activities.
What is the definition of an estuary?
A broad river mouth where a flooded river valley meets the sea.
The Río de la Plata is an example of an estuary.
What is the Gran Chaco?
An interior lowland of savanna and dense shrub in parts of Paraguay, Argentina, and Bolivia.
It features mild temperatures and seasonal rain.
What are the pampas?
Temperate grasslands where grain is grown.
The pampas are also historically associated with gauchos, or cowboys.
What is the economic basis of Paraguay?
Agriculture.
Paraguay’s economy is heavily reliant on agricultural products.
How did Paraguay gain ocean access despite being landlocked?
Through the Plata River system.
This river system connects Paraguay to the ocean, facilitating trade.
What is the primary economic activity of Uruguay?
Raising livestock and making related products.
Uruguay focuses on animal husbandry as a key economic driver.
What challenges does Uruguay face regarding goods production?
Uruguay must import most goods.
The country produces no fuel and few consumer goods.
What characterizes the middle class in Uruguay?
A large middle class and few slums in the cities.
This reflects a relatively high standard of living compared to other countries.
What is a significant feature of Buenos Aires?
It is a center of industry and has heavy air pollution.
The city’s industrial activities attract many rural migrants.
Who was Juan Domingo Perón?
A well-known military dictator of Argentina.
Perón’s rule was marked by repression and attempts at economic development through foreign loans.
What was the ‘dirty wars’ period in Argentina?
A time of military repression during the 1970s.
This period was characterized by human rights violations and state terrorism against perceived dissidents.
What led to the end of military rule in Argentina?
Defeat in the Falklands War in 1982.
This defeat prompted a return to democratic elections in Argentina.
How are the political histories of the grassland countries similar?
All were ruled by military dictators, replaced by democratic governments.
This shared history has shaped their contemporary political landscapes.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is a cold plateau region well suited for raising sheep.
Patagonia.
Patagonia is also known for its rich deposits of oil and bauxite.
