ANTH321 Midterm Study Guide

Auguste Comte

A French philosopher who is known as the founder of sociology and positivism.

Theodore Roosevelt

The 26th President of the United States who implemented the Big Stick Diplomacy and played a significant role in the construction of the Panama Canal.

José Martí

A Cuban poet, writer, and independence leader who fought for the liberation of Cuba from Spanish rule.

Porfirio Diaz

A Mexican general and politician who served as the President of Mexico for several terms and implemented modernization policies.

Herbert Spencer

An English philosopher and sociologist who developed the theory of Social Darwinism.

José Vasconcelos

A Mexican philosopher, writer, and politician who advocated for the cultural and educational development of Mexico.

Michel Chevalier

A French economist and politician who played a role in promoting economic relations between France and Latin America.

José Carlos Mariategui

A Peruvian Marxist philosopher and political activist who is considered one of the most influential Latin American intellectuals of the 20th century.

Francisco Cosmes

A Mexican positivist; commented on how Mexican dictatorship was an “honest tyranny”, to be distinguished from the chaos that had torn Mexico apart in the first half of the century (1800s).

Antoine d'Abbadie

A French explorer and geographer who conducted research in Latin America; also used the term “Amerique Latine”.

Minor Cooper Keith

An American businessman who played a significant role in the development of the banana industry in Central America.

Jacobo Arbenz Guzman

A Guatemalan politician who served as the President of Guatemala and implemented agrarian land reforms. Had a clash with the U.S-based United Fruit Company (now Chiquita).

Latin America

A region in the Americas that includes countries in Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean.

Spiritual Conquest

The process of converting indigenous peoples in Latin America to Christianity during the colonial period.

Encomienda

A system of labor and tribute in which indigenous people were forced to work for Spanish colonizers.

Cabildos

Local governing bodies in Spanish colonial America that were composed of representatives from different social groups.

Mercantilism

An economic system in which the government controls trade and seeks to accumulate wealth in gold & silver through exports.

Modernization Theory

A sociological theory that suggests that societies progress through stages of development and become more modern over time.

Liberalism

A political ideology that emphasizes individual rights, representative government, and free markets.

Social Darwinism

A theory that applies the principles of natural selection to society, suggesting that some groups are more fit to survive and prosper than others.

Primary products

Raw materials or commodities that are extracted or produced in Latin America, such as minerals, agricultural products, and oil.

Monroe Doctrine

A policy statement by the United States that declared any European intervention in the Americas as a threat to U.S. interests.

Big Stick Diplomacy

A foreign policy approach associated with Theodore Roosevelt that emphasized the use of military force to protect U.S. interests in Latin America; peaceful negotiations w/ strength reserves in case things go south.

Positivism

A philosophical and sociological approach that emphasizes the use of scientific methods to study society and promote progress.

Order and Progress

A motto associated with positivism and often used to symbolize the goals of modernization and development.

Railroad

A transportation infrastructure that played a crucial role in the economic development of Latin America, facilitating the movement of goods and people.

Banana Republic

A term used to describe politically unstable countries in Latin America that were economically dependent on the export of bananas.

North Atlantic Economy

The economic system dominated by the United States and European powers that influenced Latin America through trade and investment.

Economic Dependency

A condition in which a country's economy relies heavily on another country or countries for trade, investment, and resources.

"Whitening" Policy

A social and political ideology in Latin America that promoted the idea of racial mixing to "whiten" the population and achieve progress.

Cosmic Race

A concept developed by José Vasconcelos that celebrates the racial and cultural diversity of Latin America.

Honest Tyranny

A term used to describe authoritarian regimes in Latin America that claimed to be acting in the best interest of the people.

United Provinces of Central America

A short-lived political entity that existed in Central America from 1823 to 1841, consisting of several present-day countries.

Corporate land holdings

Large land estates owned by corporations, often associated with the United Fruit Company and other foreign companies in Latin America.

United Fruit Company

An American corporation that played a significant role in the economic and political affairs of several Latin American countries, particularly in the banana industry.

European culture

The cultural influence and heritage of European countries, particularly Spain and Portugal, in Latin America.

Mexico

A country in North America that is part of Latin America and has a rich history and diverse culture.

Argentina

A country in South America known for its tango music, beef production, and diverse landscapes.

Uruguay

A small country in South America known for its progressive social policies and democratic governance.

Brazil

The largest country in South America, known for its vibrant culture, Amazon rainforest, and soccer tradition.

Costa Rica

A country in Central America known for its biodiversity, ecotourism, and commitment to environmental sustainability.