South America Flashcards (first 11 terms)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WOzSJQn0vZkAe_GI5U75RD0zZZtcGsYuQTukP5rWr8w/edit?usp=sharing *link to doc used for key terms/notes*

What mountain range runs along the western margins of South America?

The Andes

What significant geographical feature is located in South America, known for its vast rainforest?

The Amazon Basin

Who was Alexander von Humboldt and what was his contribution to geography?

A German explorer and scientist who noted the connections between climate, geology, biology, and human cultures, and contributed to the rise of modern geography.

What does the term 'unity of place' refer to?

The concept that in a particular region, there are intricate connections between climate, geology, biology, and human cultures.

How did indigenous peoples migrate into South America?

They migrated via North and Middle America and established societies in various regions.

What are altiplanos?

High-altitude valleys between mountain ranges of the Andes that provided fertile soils and resources for indigenous cultures.

What role did the Inca play in the integration of conquered peoples?

The Inca integrated the peoples they vanquished into a stable and well-functioning state.

What impact did European colonization have on indigenous populations in South America?

Indigenous peoples were often reduced to serfdom and faced land alienation due to colonization.

What was the significance of Lima, Peru during the colonial period?

Lima became one of the richest cities in the world due to the exploitation of Andean silver deposits.

What was the relationship between Spanish military strength and independence movements in South America?

Spanish military strength was concentrated in Lima, leading to countries further away, like Argentina and Chile, gaining independence first.

What is liberation theology?

A movement that blends Christian religion with humanist philosophy, interpreting Christ's teachings as a quest to liberate the impoverished from oppression.

Why does Brazil have South America's largest black population?

Because of the historical importation of African workers for plantation work, particularly in sugar production.

What does cultural pluralism mean in the context of South America?

A realm where various ethnicities and cultures cluster in adjacent areas but generally do not mix, resembling a cultural mosaic.

What types of agriculture coexist in South America?

Larger-scale commercial agriculture and smaller-scale subsistence agriculture coexist more than anywhere else in the world.

What is remote sensing?

The indirect capture of images by satellites orbiting the Earth, often used to monitor environmental changes like deforestation.

What is the current state of industrial production in South America?

It varies significantly, with Brazil and Chile showing growth, while Argentina is in decline and other countries struggle to modernize.

What does uneven development refer to within South American countries?

The concentration of manufacturing in major urban centers, leaving vast empty spaces in the interior.

What is supranationalism?

A voluntary association of three or more independent countries yielding some sovereignty for mutual benefit.

What are Mercosur and the Pacific Alliance?

Mercosur is a free-trade zone established in 1995 linking Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Venezuela; the Pacific Alliance is a free-trade area formed in 2012 by Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Chile.