Latin America Geography, Culture, History, and Economy

Vocabulary flashcards covering the geography, culture, indigenous civilizations, political systems, and economic activities of Latin America.

Rio Grande

A river that serves as a natural boundary between Mexico and Texas.

Amazon River

A major South American river that enables the export of goods to other global regions and the transport of essential resources into the continent's interior.

Andes Mountains

A major mountain chain that creates a geographical barrier between the Pacific Ocean and the rest of South America.

Mayans

An ancient civilization in the Yucatan Peninsula and Central America from about $250$ to $900\text{ A.D.}$ known for building stepped stone pyramids, developing hieroglyphics, and creating a $365\text{-day}$ calendar system.

Tenochtitlan

The historical capital city built in northern Mexico by the Aztecs, located where present-day Mexico City stands.

Aztecs

A civilization in northern Mexico that developed irrigation, hieroglyphic writing, temples, and chocolate before being conquered by Spanish forces led by Hernan Cortes.

Incas

A complex society based in the Andes Mountains of ancient Peru known for creating terrace farming, stone cities like Machu Picchu, and complex networks of roads and bridges.

Terrace Farming

An agricultural innovation created by the Incas to grow crops along the steep slopes of the Andes Mountains.

Columbian Exchange

The historical trade process following European colonization through which American staple crops, such as the potato, were introduced to Europe.

Fútbol

Soccer; the most widely played and watched sport across Latin American countries.

Diego Rivera

A Mexican painter renowned for creating large murals illustrating Mexican history and highlighting the lack of rights for workers.

Frida Kahlo

A Mexican artist whose artwork integrated elements of traditional Mexican culture and European surrealism.

Christ the Redeemer

A prominent statue situated in Brazil that stands as a worldwide symbol of Christianity.

Carnival

A $4\text{-day}$ Latin American celebration held right before Lent that includes elaborate parades, floats, colorful costumes, music, and food.

Día de Los Muertos

Day of the Dead; a traditional Mexican holiday originally established by the Aztecs to honor deceased family members and ancestors.

Cinco de Mayo

A Mexican holiday celebrating the Mexican army's military victory over invading French forces at the Battle of Puebla.

Command Economy

An economic structure, such as that in Cuba, where the central government determines the types of goods manufactured and sets their market prices.

Free Enterprise Economy

The predominant economic system in Latin America where commerce operates primarily through market demand with limited state involvement.

Panama Canal

A critical human-made waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, allowing vessels to bypass an extra $5,000\text{-mile}$ voyage around South America's southern tip.

Pan-American Highway

A network of roadways connecting South American countries to increase the speed and ease of continental trade.

Newly Industrialized Country

An economic status attributed to Mexico, characterized by rapid industrial growth, factory manufacturing, and a higher standard of living than many neighboring Latin American states.

Tropical North

A northern agricultural region in South America that relies on its climate to cultivate prominent crops including corn, rice, and coffee.