Latin America Flashcards

Why does Mexico have few major rivers and natural lakes?

Much of Mexico is dry and mountainous, with volcanic terrain that limits river drainage and rainfall, so rivers are short and seasonal.

Of what is Mexico the world’s leading producer?

.

Silver

What are the main factors that contribute to environmental concerns in Mexico?

Air pollution, deforestation, water shortages, and soil erosion caused by urbanization, farming, and industry.

What is deforestation?

The clearing of forests for farming, logging, or development.

How can deforestation be combated?

Reforestation, sustainable farming, conservation laws, and protected reserves.

Why is biodiversity valuable?

It supports ecosystems, provides medicine and food, and maintains natural balance.

What was the outcome of the Mexican-American War?

The U.S. won; Mexico lost about half its territory under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848).

What was the impact of urbanization in Mexico City?

Overcrowding, air pollution, traffic, housing shortages, and slums.

What is subsidence and how does it impact Mexico City?

Land sinking due to groundwater pumping; causes building damage and uneven streets.

What is seismic activity?

Frequent earthquakes and eruptions due to location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”

What is the Central Plateau in Mexico?

Mexico’s most populated and fertile heartland region.

What is the Ring of Fire?

A zone of high volcanic and earthquake activity encircling the Pacific Ocean.

What defines Latin America as a cultural region?

Shared use of Latin-based languages (Spanish, Portuguese, French), colonial history, and Catholic religion.

What is spatial diffusion?

The spread of ideas, goods, or people across regions

How is the Columbian Exchange an example of spatial diffusion?

It spread plants, animals, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds.

What were positive effects of the Columbian Exchange?

New foods, animals, and global trade opportunities.

What were negative effects of the Columbian Exchange?

Disease killed millions of Indigenous peoples and slavery expanded.

How does geography affect migration in Latin America?

Mountains, deserts, and rainforests limit movement; people migrate toward coasts and cities for jobs.

How does regionalism impact Latin America?

Local loyalties and geography barriers make political and economic unity difficult.

What are four main characteristics of political revolutions?

1) Discontent with rulers, 2) Organized opposition, 3) Conflict or war, 4) New government formed.

Who led the first successful revolution in Latin America?

Toussaint L’Ouverture in Haiti.

Who was “The Liberator”?

Simón Bolívar — he freed much of northern South America.

Why is Latin America so diverse?

Blending of Indigenous, European, and African peoples; varied geography; many languages and traditions.

Where is population density highest in Central and South America?

Along coasts, highland valleys, and near major cities.

Why is the Amazon region important to Latin America?

It produces oxygen, regulates climate, and supports global biodiversity.

Where are the highest elevations in South America?

In the Andes Mountains.

What are the main factors affecting climate in the region?

Latitude, elevation, ocean currents, and wind.

What is El Niño and its impact?

A Pacific Ocean warming that causes floods and droughts across the Americas.

What is the traditional family structure in Latin cultures?

Patriarchal, extended families with strong respect for elders and community ties.

What were military strongmen in Latin America called?

Caudillos

How did Cuba achieve independence from Spain?

After the Spanish-American War in 1898.

For how many centuries did Spain control Latin America?

About three centuries (1500s–1800s).

When did most Latin American countries gain independence?

Early 1800s.

What three things gave Spaniards advantages over natives?

Steel weapons, horses, and diseases.

Why was steel one of the greatest agents of conquest?

It provided strong tools, ships, and weapons that improved survival and warfare.

What were the social classes under Spanish rule based on?

Race and birthplace.

What were the main Spanish colonial classes

Peninsulares → Creoles → Mestizos/Mulattoes → Indigenous & African slaves.

which group led most Latin American revolutions?

Creoles

 Why was it difficult to establish stable governments after independence?

Unequal social structure, colonial economic dependence, and elite dominance

What were common traits of dictators?

Military power, censorship, and suppression of opposition.

What happened to Cuba after the Spanish-American War?

It became independent, but the U.S. kept strong influence.

What did the Monroe Doctrine state?

Europe must not interfere in the Americas.

What did the Roosevelt Corollary add?

The U.S. could intervene in Latin America to maintain order.

What was economic imperialism?

U.S. and European countries dominated Latin economies through investment and trade (1800s–1900s).

How is the Panama Canal an example of U.S. imperialism?

The U.S. backed Panama’s independence to gain control of the canal route for trade and military advantage.

How does former colonization still affect Latin America today?

Continued inequality, economic dependence, and class divisions rooted in colonial systems.

Conquistadors

Spanish conquerors of the Americas

Vertical climate zones

Climate changes with elevation (e.g., tropical to alpine)

Syncretism

Blending of cultures or religions

NAFTA

North American Free Trade Agreement (1994)

Cash crop

Crop grown for sale/export

Primate city

A country’s largest and most dominant city (e.g., Mexico City)

Diego Rivera

Mexican muralist who painted workers and history

Aztec

Empire in central Mexico conquered by Cortés

PRI

Institutional Revolutionary Party; ruled Mexico for decades

Archipelago

Group of islands

Isthmus

Narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas

Rio Grande

River forming U.S.–Mexico border

Cordilleras

Parallel mountain ranges (Andes)

Sustainable development

Growth balancing economy, society, and environment

Lake Nicaragua

Largest lake in Central America

Mercantilism

Colonial trade system benefiting the mother country

Hernán Cortés

Conquered the Aztec Empire

Francisco Pizarro

Conquered the Inca Empire

Fidel Castro

Communist leader of Cuba after 1959

Augusto Pinochet

Dictator of Chile (1973-1990)

Rafael Trujillio

Dictator of the Dominican Republic (1930–1961)

Inca

Andean civilization known for terraces and road systems

Maya

Ancient civilization of southern Mexico and Central America

Indigenous People’s Day vs. Columbus Day

Indigenous People’s Day honors native cultures; Columbus Day celebrates European exploration