Latin America History 1 *Outdated*
Colonization & Culture
Which two European countries colonized much of Latin America?
Spain and Portugal
What language is the most prevalent in Latin America today?
Spanish
Why is it the most prevalent language in LA today?
Because Spain colonized most of Latin America, and Spanish became the dominant language in the regions they controlled.
Which Latin American country’s language and culture is greatly influenced by Portugal?
Brazil
Which religion did Spain and Portugal bring to Latin America?
Roman Catholicism
Why are the religion and languages throughout much of Latin America similar?
Because Spain and Portugal ruled the region for centuries, spreading their languages, religion, and culture to Indigenous and African populations.
Triangle Trade
Describe what was traded and by whom on each leg:
(1st leg) Europe → Africa:
Manufactured goods such as guns, textiles, and rum were traded by Europeans for enslaved Africans.
(2nd leg) Africa → America (Middle Passage):
Enslaved Africans were transported under brutal conditions to the Americas.
(3rd leg) America → Europe:
Raw materials such as sugar, cotton, tobacco, and coffee were shipped back to Europe.
How was Latin America’s culture impacted by the African slave trade?
African heritage influenced music (like samba and reggae), food, religion, dance, language, and contributed to the region’s diverse ethnic makeup.
Impact of the Cuban Revolution
Where is Cuba located relative to the United States?
About 90 miles south of Florida, across the Straits of Florida.
Who overthrew President Batista during the Cuban Revolution?
Fidel Castro, along with Che Guevara and the 26th of July Movement.
List three immediate impacts of the Cuban Revolution on Cuban citizens:
Land and property were seized by the government.
Private businesses were nationalized.
Political freedoms were restricted (opposition suppressed).
What form of government did Fidel Castro set up in Cuba?
A Communist dictatorship (one‑party state).
Castro aligned Cuba with which superpower during the Cold War?
The Soviet Union (USSR)
What happened to American businesses in Cuba during this time?
They were taken over (nationalized) by the Cuban government without compensation.
What was the Cuban Missile Crisis?
A 1962 confrontation where the Soviet Union put nuclear missiles in Cuba, leading to a tense standoff with the United States that nearly caused nuclear war.
What economic sanction was a result of the Cuban Missile Crisis?
The U.S. trade embargo (still mostly in effect today).
What is life like for Cubans under Castro’s Communist regime?
Limited freedom of speech and press
Government-controlled economy
Free education and healthcare, but shortages of goods
Low wages and restricted travel
What happens to Cubans who protest against the communist government?
They risk arrest, imprisonment, harassment, or exile.
Hundreds of thousands of unhappy Cubans have fled the island for which country?
The United States (especially Florida)
Describe Cuba’s economy today:
Still mostly state-controlled
Limited private businesses allowed
Heavy reliance on tourism, remittances, and foreign aid
Struggles with shortages, inflation, and low wages
Current relationship between Cuba and the U.S. (3 examples):
The embargo remains mostly in place.
Limited diplomatic relations (embassies reopened but tense).
Travel restrictions exist, though some periods saw easing.
Cooperation in areas like migration occasionally occurs.
Modern Latin America
Why did the United States sometimes offer support to dictators in Latin America?
To stop the spread of communism during the Cold War, even if the dictators were undemocratic.
Which two Latin American countries have the largest drug trafficking problems?
Mexico and Colombia
How has Cuba stopped drugs from becoming a big problem in their country?
Strict government control
Heavy surveillance
Severe punishments for drug trafficking
Limited borders due to being an island
What challenges do the poor in Latin America face daily?
Lack of clean water and healthcare
Poverty and unemployment
Crime and gang violence
Limited education opportunities
Poor housing
Reasons Latin Americans migrate to the United States (Push & Pull factors):
Push factors:
Violence (gangs, cartels)
Poverty and unemployment
Corrupt or unstable governments
Natural disasters
Pull factors:
Better job opportunities
Safety and stability
Education access
Family already in the U.S.
What happened in 2007 that caused Central American migrants to spread throughout Mexico instead of reaching the U.S.?
In 2007, Mexico increased immigration enforcement and began stopping migrants, while the U.S. also strengthened border security, forcing many migrants to remain in or disperse throughout Mexico.
Which two European countries colonized much of Latin America?
Spain and Portugal
What language is the most prevalent in Latin America today?
Spanish
Why is it the most prevalent language in LA today?
Because Spain colonized most of Latin America, and Spanish became the dominant language in the regions they controlled.
Which Latin American country’s language and culture is greatly influenced by Portugal?
Brazil
Which religion did Spain and Portugal bring to Latin America?
Roman Catholicism
Why are the religion and languages throughout much of Latin America similar?
Because Spain and Portugal ruled the region for centuries, spreading their languages, religion, and culture to Indigenous and African populations.