Latin America Version 2

Introduction to Latin America

• Encompasses countries including Mexico, Cuba, Haiti, and Argentina, bordered by the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Important Physical Features

• Cape Horn/Tierra del Fuego: Meeting point of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans with limited trade harbors.

• Andes Mountains: The longest mountain chain, creating barriers within regions. Aconcagua: The highest peak, providing hydroelectric power across countries.

• The Southern Cone: Flatlands in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay favorable for agriculture.

History of Latin America

• Treaty of Tordesillas (1494): Divided lands between Spain and Portugal, leading to cultural mixes and indigenous population impacts.

• Independence Movement (1800s): Led by figures like Simon Bolivar, achieving independence in multiple countries and fostering Bolivarian Ideology focused on anti-colonial and socialist values.

Bolivarian Ideology

• Opposes imperialism and advocates for government ownership. Seen in Hugo Chavez’s policies in Venezuela, including land reform and nationalization of oil.

South American Conflicts

• Bolivia & Chile: Conflict from the 1879 War of the Pacific over access to the ocean, leaving Bolivia economically reliant on natural gas.

Mexico and The United States

• The historical significance of the U.S.-Mexico border after the Mexican-American War and the drug trade's evolution from Colombian to Mexican cartels.

The Significance of the Panama Canal

• A strategic shortcut controlled by the U.S. until 1999, transferred to Panama amid sovereignty concerns.

Chinese Involvement in Latin America

• China is increasing its economic presence, particularly in Brazil, amid declining U.S. influence.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

• The U.S. identified itself as a protector of the Western Hemisphere against European colonialism, extending to concerns over Chinese influence today.