8.2 Lesson - Latin America

Migration pattern that followed the early people of North America, but continued southward into Mexico, Central America, Caribbean and South America.

Civilization that ruled central and southern Mexico. Main social center was Tenochtitlan, built pyramids and extensive trade networks with other Mesoamerican tribes. Empire ended when the Spanish conquistadors(soldiers) led by Hernan Cortes conquered them in the 16th century.

Civilization that ruled southern Mexico and most of Central
America. Main social center was Tikal. Most of the civilization
declined prior to the arrival of the Spanish.

​The Aztec Empire controlled all of

Largest civilization in South America, ruled most of the continents Pacific
coast. Empire ended when the Spanish conquered them in the 16th century
led by Francisco Pizarro.

●Spain and Portugal conquered most of Latin
America
○Brazil - largest Portuguese colony

●European Colonization began in 1492
○Christopher Columbus discovers the
Caribbean and opens the door for
more european explorers.

○Hernan Cortes would conquer the
Aztecs, Mexico and Central America.

○Francisco Pizarro would conquer the
Incas and most of South America.

○Portugal colonized Brazil in the
1530’s.

●Was the exchange of plants,
animals, people, and diseases
that occurred among Europe,
Africa, and the Americas.

●Led to the development of
Colonial Mercantilism = colonies
made the “Mother Country” rich.

○Mother Country = Spain,
Great Britain, France,
Portugal, etc.

●Majority are mestizo
(Mixture of
European/Indigenous)

●African heritage found
in Brazil/ Caribbean
Islands

●Small pockets of 100%
indigenous people.

●Most Latin Americans = Spanish

●Brazil = Portuguese

●Indigenous languages still exist = estimated
500 within the Amazonia and Mexico.

●Christianity dominates = 70-95%

●90% = Roman Catholic (Spanish influence)

●Animism still exist with some indigenous tribes.
(Polytheistic)

●Soccer (futbol) thrives in every country.

●Baseball is very popular in Mexico,
Venezuela and in Caribbean.

●Traditional Spanish activities like
bullfights and rodeos are more popular in
Mexico.