Chapter 9 Questions and Vocabulary

1. What were the early civilizations of Latin America?

• Mayas, Aztecs in Mexico; Incas in South America
2. What 4 results of the arrival of the conquistadors?
• Soon, much of Latin America became part of the Spanish or Portuguese empires.
• The Europeans brought enslaved Africans to work on plantations in the Americas.
• Cultural convergence led to a new culture that combined Native American, European, and
African traditions.
• A colonial class structure developed, with people of European descent at the top.
3. Who were independence leaders in Latin America, and what countries did they free?
• Toussaint L’Ouverture, a self-educated former slave, led the revolt against the French in Haiti.
• In South American, Simón Bolívar led resistance against the Spanish and won independence
for present-day Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
• José de San Martín defeated the Spanish in Argentina and Chile.
4. What are 3 explanations as to why democracy in Latin America did not follow independence?
• The colonial class structure and economy remained largely intact.
• Since Latin American economies were dependent on cash crops and trade with Europe, if a
crop failure occurred, or if prices for the products fell, economic ruin followed.
• Local military rules called caudillos often seized power and favored the upper classes.
(Dictatorship NOT democracy).
5. What were 4 methods used by Latin American governments to achieve economic gains?
• Governments pursued economic policies that reduced dependence on a single crop,
• promoted modern technology and industry,
• and eased debt.
• Took measures to reduce foreign control of businesses.
6. How is the concept of plate tectonics exhibited in Latin America?
• The Andes Mountains (along the Ring of Fire) were formed when tectonic plates collided.
7. Describe the Amazon Basin.
• Lowland area drained by the huge Amazon River and its many tributaries. High levels of
rainfall and constant temperatures provide an endless growing season and encourage diverse
plant and animal life.
8. What are the most common climates in Latin America?
• Tropical wet, tropical wet and dry, humid subtropical, arid and highlands along mountains and
coast; (mainly tropical climates).
9. What are the most common ecosystems in Latin America?
• Tropical grassland, tropical rain forest, desert scrub, (mainly grasslands, rain forest, some
desert along coast-ish).
10. Generally speaking, what is the relative location of the largest cities in Latin America? What is the
pattern exhibited in their locations?
• Along coast lines
• People migrate to urban areas in search of jobs and other benefits.
11. To what 3 groups do most Latin Americans trace their ancestry?
• Native Americans, Africans, Europeans.
12. How is farming changing in Latin America?
 • Subsistence farming  large commercial farming (use mechanized equipment such as electric
pumps for irrigation).
13. Based on climate and topography, explain the distribution of economic activities in Latin America.
• North South America = tropical wet, lush soil for subsistence farming.
• West South America coast = highlands, not much to work with = little or no activity
• East South America coast = humid subtropical, lush soils for commercial fishing and trade
• Mexico = tropical wet and dry and highlands, lush soils for farming and raising livestock
14. For the dataset pages, answer the following questions.
a) Which country has the highest GDP per capita? The lowest?
• Highest: Mexico. Lowest: Cuba.
b) Which country has the highest number of people below the poverty line? The fewest?
• Highest: Honduras. Lowest: Brazil or Cuba (unknown).
c) Why does Cuba have a lower GDP per capita than the rest of the countries?
• As a result of lost aid from the Soviet Union, Cuba’s GDP declined by 35% from 1989 to
1993.