Latin American studying

Malintzin/malinche

"Translator and interpreter who became Cortés’s concubine; represents the complexities of cultural encounters."

La chingada

"Vulgar phrase meaning to be screwed; references the maltreatment of Malintzin and broader themes of exploitation."

Encomienda

"System of forced labor requiring Indigenous peoples to work for Spanish overlords

Mestizo

"Person of mixed Spanish and Indigenous heritage; became the elite class in colonial Latin America."

Peninsulares

"Individuals born in Spain; held top social positions in colonial society."

Creole

"People of European descent born in the Americas; often sought more rights and political power."

La raza cosmica

"Concept of a mixed racial identity in Latin America; emphasizes cultural synthesis."

Caudillo

"Strongman or military leader; often ruled through authoritarian means in Latin American countries."

Manifest Destiny

"19th-century doctrine that justified U.S. expansion westward as a divine right."

Monroe Doctrine

"U.S. policy aimed at preventing European colonization in the Americas; asserted regional influence."

Tejanos

"Non-Indigenous people of Mexican descent living in Texas; played key roles in Texas history."

Californios

"Spanish-speaking inhabitants of California before and after the Mexican-American War."

Bourbon reforms/Bourbon family

"Reforms in the Spanish Empire that sought to centralize control and diminish local power; led to the expulsion of Jesuits."

Simón Bolívar

"Key figure in Latin American independence; known as 'Liberator' for his role in freeing several countries from Spanish rule."

José Martí

"Father of Cuban independence; idealist and advocate for racial equality in Cuba; exiled due to political activism."

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

"1848 agreement ending the Mexican-American War; ceded significant territories to the U.S."

Mexican-American War

"Conflict between the U.S. and Mexico (1846-1848); resulted in substantial territorial losses for Mexico."

Spanish-American War

"1898 conflict resulting in U.S. intervention in Cuba; led to U.S. control over Puerto Rico

La Escalera

"Cuban uprisings in the 1840s characterized by extreme violence; referred to the torture methods used."

Tainos

"Indigenous people of the Caribbean encountered by Columbus; suffered devastating losses due to European diseases and enslavement."

Diego Rivera

"Prominent Mexican muralist; known for his political and social themes in art."

Ten Years War

"Cuban war for independence from Spain (1868-1878); led to significant social and economic upheaval."

Gold Rush

"Mass migration to California (1848-1855) driven by the search for gold; led to major demographic changes."

South Pacific Machine (railroad)

"Railroad completed in 1869; connected the rich economies of the West with the rest of the U.S."

Mexican Revolution

"Armed struggle (1910-1920) against dictatorship; resulted in widespread violence and migration to the U.S."

The Jones Act

"U.S. law limiting commerce in Puerto Rico; required goods to be transported on U.S. ships."

Corridos

"Narrative songs that tell stories of historical events; often reflect social struggles and cultural identity."

Platt Amendment

"Legislation that allowed U.S. intervention in Cuba; restricted Cuban sovereignty after the Spanish-American War."

Las Gorras Blancas

"Group of Mexican Americans who protested land loss and encroachment by Anglo settlers in the late 19th century."

Latin American Independence

"Movements throughout the 19th century that resulted in the liberation of several Latin American nations from Spanish rule."

Rancheros (missionaries)

"Landowners in colonial Mexico; often played a role in the agricultural economy and cultural exchange."

Cortés

"Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire."