"The term Latin America primarily refers to the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries in the New World."
This topic explores the major events and historical developments that have shaped the region including the pre-Columbian era, colonization, independence, and the post-colonial period.
Pre-Columbian civilizations: The study of the complex societies that existed in Latin America prior to the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492. This includes the Olmec, Maya, Aztec, Inca, Muisca, and many others.
Spanish colonization: The period of Spanish expansion and colonization in Latin America, starting from the late 15th century and continuing until the early 19th century. This includes the exploration, conquest, and colonization of present-day Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
Slavery and African Diaspora: The forced migration and enslavement of millions of Africans to Latin America during the colonial period and the subsequent impact on the region’s social and cultural development.
Independence movements: The 19th-century movements that led to the independence of Latin American countries from Spain and Portugal. It includes figures such as Simon Bolivar, Jose de San Martin, and Miguel Hidalgo.
U.S. interventions: The history of U.S. interventions in Latin American politics, economics, and social movements during the 20th century.
Latin American dictatorships: The period of so-called bloody dictatorships in which authoritarian rulers took control of many countries in Latin America in the mid-20th century.
The Cold War: The impact of the global political and ideological conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union on Latin America, including U.S. interventions, leftist movements, and the struggle for democracy.
Economic development: The efforts made by Latin American countries in the post-colonial period to modernize their economies and improve the standard of living for their citizens.
Ethnic identity and social struggles: The impact of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation on social, cultural, and political movements in Latin America, including indigenous, Afro-Latin American, feminist, and LGBTQ movements.
Contemporary issues: The social, economic, and political challenges facing Latin America today, including inequality, drug trafficking, corruption, migration, and environmental degradation.
Colonial History: Focuses on the period between Christopher Columbus's arrival in the New World in 1492 and the eventual attainment of independence by Latin American nations in the early 19th century.
National History: Examines the emergence of individual Latin American nations following their independence, including political, economic, and social developments.
Social History: Explores the everyday lives of ordinary people in Latin America, examining topics such as class, ethnicity, gender, and religion.
Economic History: Studies the various economic systems and policies that have shaped modern Latin America, including the role of natural resources, trade, and foreign investment.
Cultural History: Analyzes the social and cultural innovations that have shaped modern Latin American nations, including literature, music, art, and film.
Environmental History: Examines the relationship between humans and their natural surroundings in Latin America, focusing on how environmental issues have influenced economic, social, and political developments in the region.
Political History: Studies the evolution of political institutions and ideologies throughout Latin American history, including the various forms of government that have been in place in different countries.
Intellectual History: Investigates the ideas and beliefs that have shaped Latin American culture and politics, including the contributions of philosophers, writers, and cultural figures.
Transnational History: Explores the connections that exist between Latin America and other regions of the world, examining topics such as trade, migration, and cultural exchange.
Gender History: Investigates the experiences of men and women in Latin American history, analyzing the ways in which gender has shaped political, economic, and social developments throughout the region.
"Before the arrival of Europeans in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, the region was home to many indigenous peoples, a number of which had advanced civilizations, most notably from South; the Olmec, Maya, Muisca, and Inca."
"The region came under the control of the crowns of Spain and Portugal."
"The crowns of Spain and Portugal imposed both Roman Catholicism and their respective languages."
"Both the Spanish and the Portuguese brought African slaves to their colonies, as laborers, particularly in regions where indigenous populations who could be made to work were absent."
"In the early nineteenth century nearly all of the areas of Spanish America attained independence by armed struggle."
"With the exceptions of Cuba and Puerto Rico."
"Brazil, which had become a monarchy separate from Portugal, became a republic in the late nineteenth century."
"Political independence from European monarchies did not result in the abolition of black slavery in the new sovereign nations."
"Political independence resulted in political and economic instability in Spanish America immediately after independence."
"Great Britain and the United States exercised significant influence in the post-independence era."
"Resulting in a form of neo-colonialism, whereby a country's political sovereignty remained in place, but foreign powers exercised considerable power in the economic sphere."
"The term Latin America primarily refers to the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries in the New World."
"The region was home to many indigenous peoples, a number of which had advanced civilizations, most notably from South; the Olmec, Maya, Muisca, and Inca."
"In the early nineteenth century nearly all of the areas of Spanish America attained independence by armed struggle, with the exceptions of Cuba and Puerto Rico."
"particularly in regions where indigenous populations who could be made to work were absent."
"Great Britain and the United States exercised significant influence in the post-independence era."
"The crowns of Spain and Portugal imposed both Roman Catholicism and their respective languages."
"Political independence resulted in political and economic instability in Spanish America immediately after independence."
"Political independence from European monarchies did not result in the abolition of black slavery in the new sovereign nations."