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Chapter 9: Cultural Geography of Latin America

Chapter 9: Cultural Geography of Latin America

CHAPTER CULTURAL OF

Why It Matters A study of the cultural geography America of will introduce the tremendous ethnic diversity of this . It highlights how history and the blending of native and imported cultures have influenced how people live in Latin America .

Section 1: The characteristics and distribu- tion of cultures influence human systems. Mexico has been shaped by the civilizations of the Maya and the Inca, and by the Spanish. Section 2: and the Culture influences people’s per- ceptions of places and . Native American, European, and African cultures have influenced Central America and the Caribbean. Section 3: America The characteristics and distribution of human populations affect physi- cal and human systems. has been influenced by Native American and European cul- tures, migration, , and urbanization.

Geography ONLINE Chapter Overview Visit the Geography and Cultures Web site at glencoe.com and click on Chapter Overviews—Chapter 9 to preview infor- mation about the cultural geography of the region. in Rio de Janeiro, , displays the diverse cultures of Latin America.

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Aldo Torelli/Getty Images LATIN AMERICA 215 Make Chapter 9 As you read the chapter, write Summarizing Information Summarizing you summa- a Folded Table to help the cultural rize information about of Latin geography of the America. Reading and Writing and govern- notes about the population patterns, history America. ment, and culture of the subregions of Latin places in Summarize this information in the appropriate table. the SECTION 1 Mexico Guide to Reading Thousands of years ago, the descendants of Mexico’s first inhabitants developed great civilizations. Over the Section Preview Mexico has been shaped by ancient centuries, there has been a blending of different ethnic civilizations of native peoples and groups, which is reflected in Mexico’s present-day pop- by Europeans. ulation. Many of the unique characteristics and tradi- Content Vocabulary tions of Mexico’s early civilizations, however, remain • indigenous • (p. 217) (p. 219) a vital part of the ’s cultural geography today. • (p. 217) • viceroy (p. 219) • urbanization • caudillo (p. 219) Voices Around the World (p. 217) • syncretism • megacity (p. 219) “Every March during the spring equinox at the ancient Maya ruins of Chichén (p. 217) • malnutrition Itzá, the plumed serpent god Kukulcán takes shape from light and shadow and • primate city (p. 220) descends the side of the great pyramid El Castillo. People come from all over (p. 217) • mural (p. 220) the world to witness this event, which marks the renewal of the cycle of • glyph (p. 218) • mosaic (p. 220) • chinampas • life on what many archaeologists believe is the Maya calendar (p. 218) (p. 220) constructed in stone. It also serves as a reminder of a great culture.” Academic Vocabulary • external (p. 217) — Luis Albores, “Mexico: Five Cultural Bests,” • internal (p. 217) National Geographic, April 2004 • predict (p. 218) Places to Locate • Mexico (p. 217) • Yucatán Peninsula (p. 217) • (p. 217) • Tenochtitlán (p. 218) Reading Strategy Categorizing As you read, complete a graphic organizer similar to the one below by listing the reasons why many people migrate from rural areas to urban areas.

Reasons for Internal Migration

Maya ruins of Chichén Itzá

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Steve Elmore/Getty Images LATIN AMERICA 217 . an an

Chapter 9 glencoe.com or Plus

primate city, cities and the nat- — the migration of What two migration What two migration

affairs. cities with more than

StudentWorks™ Use Movement Population Trends in Mexico in Trends Population urbanization

megacities, Did Mexico’s population grow at a faster rate between Did Mexico’s population grow at a faster rate Describe population growth in Mexico City from 1950 to 2005.Describe population growth in Mexico City How does it compare to the population growth of Mexico as a whole? How does it compare to the population growth 1950 and 1970 or between 1990 and 2005? In some Latin American , growing growing American countries, In some Latin 1. Place 2. Movement

patterns have changed Mexico’s population? agricultural land and lack of access to social ser- agricultural land and lack of access move to cities along the Many migrants vices. Mexico City However, U.S.-Mexico border. most peopleremains the primary destination for This one-way who move within the country. results in migration from rural to urban areas rapid ongoing, people from the countryside to population growth within urban areas. Urban Areas to 20.6 million people. Because of its size and to 20.6 million people. Mexico City is a influence, cities have absorbed surrounding cities and sub- urbs to create largest megacity The region’s 10 million people. with a population of more than is Mexico City, city is expected to grow the By 2015, 19 million. urban area that dominates its country’s econ- urban area that dominates its country’s and political culture, omy,

rural- ucatán

Y migration

indigenous population. Empire. Internal ternal ex What factors influence eth- What factors

YOU

more than 19 million people live

In Mexico today, make up In Mexico today,

Ethnic groups, migration, and urban migration, Ethnic groups, as in other Latin American countries, American countries, as in other Latin

The majority of these groups, how- The majority of these groups,

a e d IIdea

mestizo. N th the arrival of European settlers over theth the arrival of European settlers Mexico, I ith 107 million people, Mexico is the world’s Mexico is the world’s ith 107 million people, A Mexico City, Mexico Migration has shaped Mexico’s population. population. Migration has shaped Mexico’s W Wi Mexico’s first inhabitants probably migrated Mexico’s In eninsula. MAIN MMAIN the ancestors of Native were the first Native the ancestors of Native For this reason, region. people to settle the are known as Americans today Density and Distribution The People Population Patterns Population per square mile (11,641 per sq. km)! per square mile (11,641 per sq. The desire for job opportunities and improved economic conditions drives ulation density of 142 people per square mile km) suggests a relatively uncrowded (54 per sq. however. This figure is only an average, country. In km). within an area of 597 square miles (1,547 sq. That makes its population density 30,150 people the largest part of the population. A pop- most populous Spanish-speaking country. ever, lived in the southern part of the Mexican lived in the ever, Aztec the center of the — Plateau American of peoples of Native a blending centuries, ethnic groupand European descent created a new called these first peoples were isolated from one another these first peoples were isolated from into their own cul- they evolved for centuries, organized tural groups and developed highly These indigenous groups thrived in civilizations. the Maya in the such as different areas, P from an area’s first inhabitants. first from an area’s Because 40,000 to 60,000 years ago. from (ihn•DIH•juh•nuhs) peoples, or peoples descended or peoples peoples, (ihn•DIH•juh•nuhs) growth have shaped population in Mexico. shaped population growth have AND GEOGRAPHY ? Read to learn hownic diversity in the shaped Mexico’s ethnic diversity has population distribution, with approximately with approximately population distribution, 75 percent of the population now living in cities. People migrate to urban areas because of limited to other areas of the world. to other areas of the world. to-urban migration has greatly changed the astronomical observations to predict solar History and eclipses. They made glyphs, picture writings Government carved in stone, on temples to honor their gods and record history. For reasons that are still a mystery, the Maya MMAINAIN IIdeadea Native American empires and colonial eventually abandoned their cities. Archaeologists rule influenced Mexico’s political and social structures. have uncovered the ruins of more than 40 Maya GEOGRAPHY AND YOU What U.S. people played cities. However, most of the glyphs remain untrans- key roles in the early history of the country? Read to lated. Descendants of the Maya still live in villages learn about Mexico’s history and the influence of in southern Mexico and Central America, where the Maya and Aztec civilizations. they practice subsistence farming. The Aztec civilization arose in central Mexico In Mexico today, as throughout Latin America, in the a.d. 1300s. Their capital, built on an island people struggle with unresolved issues rooted in in a large lake, was named Tenochtitlán the past. (tay•nawch•teet•LAHN). Today, it is the site of Mexico City. To feed the growing population, Native American Empires Aztec farmers cultivated all available land. They Centuries before Europeans arrived in the grew crops on chinampas — floating “islands” , two Native American empires — the made from large rafts covered with mud from the Maya and the Aztec — flourished in the area that lake bottom. is present-day Mexico. These civilizations left The Aztec developed a highly structured class enduring marks on Mexican history and culture. system headed by an emperor and military offi- The Maya dominated southern Mexico and cials. High-ranking priests performed rituals to northern Central America from about a.d. 250 win the favor of the gods. At the bottom of Aztec to 900. They established many cities and built society were the largest group — farmers, laborers, terraces, courts, and temples. Priests and nobles and soldiers. ruled the cities and surrounding areas. The Maya based their economy on agri- culture and . Skilled in mathematics, the Maya developed accurate calendars and used

Culture The Arts is known for his wall paintings and frescos, or large paintings done on wet plaster. He used his art to illustrate Mexico’s history and culture. In the central arch detail from his fresco From Conquest to 1930, Rivera uses images of peasants and workers to show foreign influence and Mexico’s struggle for independence. This fresco is one in a series Rivera painted inside the in Mexico City depicting Mexico’s history from Native American civilizations to just after Mexican independence.

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Schalkwijk/Art Resource, NY LATIN AMERICA 219 Chapter 9 Care Europeans have influ- Europeans Mexico. Do you know of any cul- Do you know

Religion syncretism. YOU

The , a festival honoring loved ones who have The arts, traditions, and beliefs of beliefs of traditions, and The arts,

a e d IIdea

What other elements of Mexican culture have N I A Education varies greatly in Mexico. Most Most Education varies greatly in Mexico. The is an intricate blendingThe culture of Mexico is Spanish, the official language In Mexico, MAIN MMAIN died, has its origins in Aztec traditions. Place Native American influences? Education and Health Education and Health Culture peoples and of indigenous culture. enced Mexican AND GEOGRAPHY are unique to Mexico? Read to tural traditions that of learn about the culture Language and and practices is called but do not public schools are in rural areas, of urban have the funding or qualified teachers promotion of Government or private schools. more schools adult literacy and funding for in education. has helped Mexico make gains of indigenous and Spanish influences. Spanish influences. of indigenous and by more than 95 percent of thewhich is spoken than 50 indigenous languages, More population. Nearly 90 per- spoken by some. are still however, population is Roman Catholic, cent of Mexico’s retain their although many indigenous peoples indigenous Some traditional religious beliefs. beliefs and peoples blend traditional Maya This blending of beliefs Roman Catholic beliefs. pean artido artido artido P P caudillo system. significant? election. The election. (PRI), dominated dominated (PRI),

Nation Why was the outcome of or conqueror, Hernán Hernán or conqueror,

(PAN) won the (PAN)

Regions

viceroys. conquistador, Cladio Cruz Valderrama/WORLDPICTURENEWS Struggles for additional reforms and political The Aztec Empire was still expanding when still expanding was Empire Aztec The A new constitution in 1917 brought reforms A new constitution in 1917 brought In spite of its independence, Mexico’s political Mexico’s In spite of its independence, In the late 1700s, resentment against Euro resentment against Euro In the late 1700s, icente Fox of the opposition party Mexico’s 2000 presidential election so An Independent Independent An tinued control of the presidency when Felipe tinued control of the presidency when Felipe Calderon was declared the president-elect. and farmers, Americans, Native power continue. workers continue to pressure the government for greater inclusion in the political the presidency and Mexican politics for nearly control ended in 2000 when The PRI’s 70 years. V Acción Nacional con- 2006 presidential election ensured PAN’s Mexico was part of the viceroyalty of New of the viceroyalty of New Mexico was part a highly structured It was governed under . by royally appointed officials political system known as Spanish explorers landed on the Yucatán Yucatán on the explorers landed Spanish wealth from Desiring in 1519. Peninsula silver and gold, resources of abundant Mexico’s Spanish Aztec in 1521 and claimed the Cortés defeated centuries, For the next three Mexico for Spain. and established Mexico as a federal republic republic and established Mexico as a federal — branches with powers separated into three A president is and judicial. legislative, executive, Beginning in elected to a single six-year term. the party, one political however, 1929, Institucional Revolucionario the new republic. It was during this time that a It was the new republic. the — new kind of leader emerged the backing With or dictator. (kow•DEE•yoh), cau- of military forces and wealthy landowners, dillos became absolute rulers. and economic power remained in the hands of a and economic power remained in army offi- small group of wealthy landowners, public dissatis- Power struggles, and clergy. cers, revolts led to a chaotic situation in and faction, Latin America. The first Spanish-ruled country The first Spanish-ruled America. Latin independence was America to win in Latin Miguel Hidalgo, Father A parish priest, Mexico. independence movement in 1810. led Mexico’s Mexico became indepen- After a long struggle, dent in 1821. rule spread throughout Mexico and the rest of rule spread throughout As employment and education improve, health Family Life problems linked to poverty, lack of sanitation, highly value the family. Each person is and malnutrition — a condition caused by a lack part of an extended family that includes great- of proper food —decrease. The federal govern- grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and ment subsidizes health care, making it available cousins as well as parents and children. Parents to all citizens. However, the poor quality of pub- and children often share their home with members lic medicine causes many people to seek treat- of the extended family. Compadres, or godparents, ment in cities or other countries. are chosen by the parents to sponsor their new baby and watch over his or her upbringing. The Arts As in other Latin American societies, Mexican Influences of indigenous cultures and the Spanish society still displays elements of machismo, a colonial period are evident in Mexico’s arts. Early Spanish and Portuguese tradition of male Native American architecture includes Maya pyra- supremacy. However, women have made rapid mids and Aztec temples and palaces. Some of these advances in recent decades. buildings were decorated with murals, or wall paintings, and mosaics, pictures or designs made Sports and Leisure with colored stone or tile. The Spanish built Spectators crowd into arenas to watch bullfight- churches and other buildings reflecting classic ing, Mexico’s national sport. People are also pas- European architectural styles. sionate about fútbol, or soccer. and jai The twentieth century brought a renewed inter- alai (HY•ly), a game much like handball, have a est in precolonial history and culture. Diego Rivera large following as well. painted murals of indigenous cultures and events One of the most popular leisure activities in in Mexico’s history. Other noted Mexican artists Mexico may be celebrating. From friendly gather- include and José Clemente Orozco. ings to special family dinners, religious feast days, The country’s past and cultural identity have and patriotic events, almost any social occasion is inspired writers and . a party — a fiesta, or festival. Ballet Folklórico fascinates audiences by perform- Place What role does the family ing Native American and Spanish dances. have in Mexican society?

SECTION 1 REVIEW Vocabulary Critical Thinking 1. Explain the significance of: indigenous, mestizo, urbanization, 6. How have ancient civilizations of native peoples megacity, primate city, glyph, chinampas, conquistador, viceroy, and European settlers shaped Mexico’s cultural geography? caudillo, syncretism, malnutrition, mural, mosaic, extended family. Give examples. 7. Summarizing Information Describe the factors that have Main Ideas influenced population patterns in Mexico. 2. How have ethnic groups, migration, and urban growth shaped 8. Analyzing Visuals Study the graph on page 217. What gener- the population in Mexico? alization could you make about population growth in Mexico? 3. Which makes up the majority of Mexico’s population? Writing About Geography 4. Describe the influence Native American empires and 9. Expository Writing Write a paragraph suggesting suitable loca- European colonial rule have had on Mexico’s political and tions for constructing new cities to relieve population pressures social structures. Give examples. that exist in Mexico City. What kinds of resources are required to 5. Create a chart like the one below to help identify how the arts, sustain large populations? traditions, and beliefs of indigenous peoples and of Europeans have influenced Mexican culture. Geography ONLINE Indigenous Peoples Europeans Study Central™ To review this section, go to glencoe.com and click on Study Central.

220 Unit 3 LATIN AMERICA

221 March 2004 Chapter 9 mix. National Geographic Traveler, National Geographic — Jon Bowermaster, “The Beat in ,” “The Beat in Cuba,” Jon Bowermaster, —

such as Cuba and Trinidad reflect in reflect Trinidad such as Cuba and

oices Around the World oices Around the V

The ethnic diversity of Cuban culture are of mixed racial heritage, an astounding proportion by U.S. norms.” heritage, an astounding proportion by U.S. racial of mixed Cubans are Central America America Central the and Caribbean Island countries many diversity that characterizes miniature the ethnic other In and the Caribbean. America parts of Central gives the a majority ethnic group however, locations, groups with smaller cultural identity, population a strong to the ethnic adding their own unique flavor mix Caribbean, African, and European stock where “Cuba is truly a , half of all bear that out: Over Statistics harmony. in apparent and match (p. 222)

2 (p. 223)

(p. 223) (p. 224) (p. 226)

Republic

(p. 223) As you read, complete

and the Caribbean Vocabulary Locate (p. 224) (p. 222)

Strategy (p. 222) Vocabulary Rico (p. 225) Preview

(p. 225)

(p. 222) Indies Ethnic Groups of Central America (p. 224)

Peter Turnley/CORBIS SECTION the Caribbean. Reading Identifying a graphic organizer similar to the one below by identifying the many ethnic groups that make up the population of Central America and • Dominican • Dominican • West • • • • Puerto Academic • diverse • collapse • transmission Places to • Cuba Central America and the Caribbean. Central America and Content • dialect • patois • matriarchal Guide to Reading Guide Section European, and Native American, influenced African cultures have Slavery ended in the region by the late 1800s, but Population Patterns many Africans whose families had lived in Latin America for generations remained. In the Bahamas, for example, a majority of the population is of MMAINAIN IIdeadea Diverse ethnic groups, migration, small land areas, and rapid growth have shaped the African descent. Other parts of the Caribbean population of Central America and the Caribbean. have experienced a blending of different ethnic groups. For example, in Cuba and the Dominican GEOGRAPHY AND YOU What factors influence settlement in the United States today? Read to learn Republic, people of mixed African and European about the factors that influence population and descent form a large part of the population. settlement in the Caribbean. Density and Distribution The population of Central America reflects the In Central America, most people live in the dominant influences of indigenous peoples and highlands along the Pacific coast. However, pop- Spanish settlers. In the Caribbean, a blending of ulation densities vary. For example, ’s indigenous groups with diverse influences of population density of 302 people per square mile Spanish, English, French, African, Dutch, Indian, (117 per sq. km) is nearly ten times that of , Chinese, and others has shaped the population. with 33 people per square mile (12 per sq. km). The average population density of Central The People America contrasts sharply with that of the The first inhabitants of Central America and Caribbean. Caribbean countries combine small the Caribbean were indigenous peoples. Today, land areas with large populations that tend to people of Maya descent make up about half of grow at rapid rates. These factors make the the indigenous population of Guatemala. In Caribbean countries some of the most densely contrast, the majority of people in populated in Latin America. are of European descent. Overall, at least two- A substantial increase in external migration thirds of Central Americans are mestizos. has occurred over the past 100 years. Since the Millions of European immigrants have made 1970s, large numbers of people have been leav- the Caribbean their home. Africans first arrived ing Central America and the Caribbean to seek as enslaved people, brought forcibly by Europeans. better economic opportunities and to escape civil wars and unstable political situations. Internal migration throughout Central America and the Caribbean has increased urban growth. Today, about 60 percent of the people live in towns and cities. The majority of the urban pop- ulation lives in capital cities and port cities. Urban Challenges Although people migrate to cities to find a bet- ter life, they often do not find what they seek. As a city’s resources are strained by rapid popula- tion growth, jobs and housing become scarce. Such strain can also cause the collapse of a city’s infrastructure, depriving people of necessary basics such as electricity and drinking water. Despite disappointments, most rural migrants do not have the money to return to their vil- lages. They remain in the cities, forced by pov- In Haiti, 95 percent of the popula- erty to live in neighborhoods with substandard tion is of African descent. housing and poor sanitation. Regions How have African influences created a unique Movement Where does the culture in the Caribbean? majority of the ’s urban population live?

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Paul A. Souders/CORBIS LATIN AMERICA 223 Chapter 9 transmission In response toIn response

. Columbus’s arrival in Columbus’s The unintended Some of the exchanges were intentional. intentional. Some of the exchanges were The Spanish easily conquered the Native Native the conquered easily Spanish The of infectious diseases had serious and long-lastingof infectious diseases had serious and on both sideseffects on the peoples and cultures Atlantic. of the the Americas also set off one of the most signifi- Americas also set off one the the Columbian — history cant events in world animals, This movement of plants, Exchange. between and the and infectious diseases as Europeans claimed lands in Americas began and , , Americas for Spain, the Britain. and domesti- Europeans introduced food plants in an attempt to Americas cated animals to the Europeans also took the region. “Europeanize” Americas back across food crops native to the the Atlantic . The Columbian Exchange The Columbian Exchange Americans and forced them to work in gold mines work in them to forced and Americans labor, hard the mid-1600s, By and on plantations. nearly diseases had and European starvation, Americans the Native wiped out Native numbers of reduced the drastically colonists imported the European Americans, meet the labor shortage. Africans to enslaved . est W glencoe.com or Plus

What makes your com- What makes your

StudentWorks™ YOU Use

The Columbian Exchange The Columbian Conquests What unintended transfer from Europeans had a History and government in Central in Central government History and freedom. subregion. in 1493. Large numbers of Spanish Large in 1493.

What grains were brought to the Americas by Europeans? What grains were brought to the Americas by

a e d IIdea triggered the eventual conquest and coloni- triggered the eventual

N detrimental effect on the indigenous population of Latin America? detrimental effect on the indigenous population of Latin I A 2. Regions 1. Movement Columbus’s voyages from 1492 to 1504 led to Columbus’s The arrival of in the The arrival of Christopher MAIN MMAIN zation of Central America and the Caribbean. America zation of Central European GEOGRAPHY AND to new residents? Read to learn munity appealing that influenced European settle- about the factors ment of this Government have been influenced and the Caribbean America , slavery, and by indigenous cultures, struggles for History and Spanish exploration and of the of the Spanish exploration and colonization The first permanent European Caribbean islands. the island of settlement was founded on Hispaniola settlers later arrived seeking gold. Indies Except for Haiti, Caribbean countries were the last territories in the region to achieve inde- pendence. Cuba, for example, won its indepen- dence from Spain in 1898, but remained under the protection of the United States until 1902. Danny Lehman/CORBIS British-ruled islands, such as and Barbados, did not gain independence until well into the 1900s. Even today some islands remain under foreign control. and some of the have political links to the United States. In Central America, Spain ruled until the nineteenth century. However, struggles for independence ushered Plans to expand the to in a period of political and economic instability. accommodate heavier traffic and During the 1800s, some leaders wanted to build trade are under debate. political institutions and prosperous economies. In 1823, independent Central American prov- Place Why did Panama provide the best place to create a shortcut to the ? inces formed a federation called the United of Central America. The powerful elites opposed such a union, so the United Passage Through Panama Explorer Vasco Núñez Provinces separated into five separate coun- de Balboa was the first to grasp the unique geo- tries — Guatemala, , , graphic features of the land known today as , and Costa Rica. Panama. While exploring the isthmus, he climbed a peak and discovered a body of water as vast as Movements for Change the . Centuries later, thoughts During the 1900s, many countries in Central turned to building a waterway that would create America and the Caribbean experienced dra- a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific matic political, social, and economic changes. . In 1904, final construction on the For example, after Panama became an indepen- began. Nearly 75,000 laborers dent country in 1903, the United States and from around the world built what is regarded as Panama signed a treaty creating the Panama one of the engineering wonders of the world. The Canal Zone. The formation of industries, the canal continues to be an important trade route. building of railroads, and the expansion of trade brought new wealth to the upper classes. Gaining Independence However, for the vast majority of people, espe- In the late 1700s, Native Americans and cially those living in rural areas, progress was Africans yearned for freedom from slavery and limited and demands for reform were ignored. European rule. François Toussaint-Louverture Reform did occur in Cuba, however, when a (frahn•SWAH TOO•san•LOO•vuhr•tyur), a revolution in 1959 set up a communist state soldier born to enslaved parents, led a revolt of under Fidel Castro. During the 1990s commu- enslaved Africans in Haiti. By 1804, Haiti had nism remained entrenched in Cuba, but military won its independence from France. Haiti went on gave way to democratically elected to help independence movements in other Latin governments in several other countries. Today, American countries. many countries in Central America and the Caribbean are struggling to end corrupt politics and violence and bring economic benefits to all Geography ONLINE their citizens. In critical elections throughout Student Web Activity Visit the World Geography Latin America in 2005 and 2006, people exer- and Cultures Web site at glencoe.com and click on cised their right to vote and demanded change. Student Web Activities—Chapter 9 for an activity about the Panama Canal. Place Who led a revolt and helped Haiti gain its independence?

224 Unit 3 Culture Teen in Life Cuba MMAINAIN IIdeadea The culture of Central America and the Caribbean has been influenced by the arts as Communism has had a profound effect on the well as the traditions and beliefs of indigenous peo- culture and development of Cuba. In a communist ples, Africans, and Europeans. country, the government controls most aspects of GEOGRAPHY AND YOU What kinds of music come daily life. to mind when you think of Central America and the Caribbean? Read to learn more about the culture of Did you know . . . this subregion. English is a required course in Cuban secondary schools and is important to Cuba’s tourist The people of Central America and the industry. Caribbean express the diverse elements and Students attend school Monday through Saturday unique mingling of their cultures through lan- guage, religion, and the arts. and are required to wear a uniform. School attendance is required between the ages Language and Religion of 5 and 12. Spanish is the primary language of most Cubans have two surnames — one from their countries in Central America. In the Caribbean, mother and one from their father. The mother’s European languages spoken include English, family name comes last, but people are com- Spanish, French, and Dutch. However, each monly referred to by their father’s name. country has its own dialects, or forms of a lan- Dining in restaurants is too expensive for most guage unique to a particular place or group. Cubans. With the exception of restaurants run Millions of people speak Native American lan- out of private homes, all restaurants are owned guages. Many people are also bilingual, while oth- by the government. ers speak one of many forms of patois (PA•twah), The buying and selling of homes is strictly pro- dialects that blend indigenous, European, African, hibited. Cubans can only purchase homes and Asian languages. For example, has a vocabulary based in French with other words directly from the government or swap homes of African and Spanish origin. with other residents. In Central America, six out of seven people are Roman Catholic. In the Caribbean, most people living on the Spanish- and French-speaking islands are also Roman Catholic. Various forms of Protestant are found in English- speaking areas. Other faiths in the subregion include Hinduism and Islam. Scores of tradi- tional Native American and African religions also thrive, often mixed with Christianity and other faiths. These mixed religions include Santería in Cuba and voodoo in Haiti and the .

Education and Health Care The quality of education varies greatly from country to country as well as within rural and urban areas of each country. Children generally are required to complete elementary school, but many do not because of long distances to school and lack of money for clothing and supplies.

Chapter 9 225

Richard Bickel/CORBIS Family Life Health care is linked to standards of living. As in Mexico, the extended family is important Countries with a highly developed system in the subregion. Throughout Central America, the have better standards of living and high life expec- family is the basic unit of society, and the impor- tancies. By contrast, countries with less-developed tance of one’s family in a community is a factor economies have little money to spend on health that determines one’s social class. In the Caribbean care. Consequently, disease and malnutrition are the structure of the family is often matriarchal, or more prevalent and life expectancy is low. ruled by a woman such as a mother, grandmother, or aunt. This type of family structure is character- The Arts istic of West , from where many people in Native Americans produced the earliest art the Caribbean trace their roots. forms—woodcarving, pottery, metalwork, and weaving. The work of contemporary artisans is Sports and Leisure matched only by the sophisticated metalwork from Baseball, basketball, and volleyball have large the pre-Columbian era, the time before the arrival followings, especially in the Caribbean. Over a of Columbus. The handwoven textiles produced in hundred years ago, American sailors in Cuba villages throughout Guatemala today reflect taught the game of baseball to the Cubans. From ancient Maya symbols and weaving techniques. there, as Cubans migrated to other places in the Music combines Native American, European, Caribbean, baseball spread throughout the and African influences to create unique musical region. In the Dominican Republic, beisbol, or styles and dances. Styles evolved from the music baseball, has become the national passion. traditions of indigenous wind and percussion Regions What factors contribute instruments; European string instruments; and to varying qualities of health care in Central America African drums, rhythms, and dances. and the Caribbean?

SECTION 2 REVIEW Vocabulary Critical Thinking 1. Explain the significance of: dialect, patois, matriarchal. 6. How has African culture influenced the cultural characteristics of the Caribbean? Give examples. Main Ideas 7. Identifying Cause and Effect What urban challenges have 2. Describe the ways in which each of the following factors have been caused by the migration of many people in Central influenced history and government in Central America and America and the Caribbean to capital cities and major ports in the Caribbean: indigenous cultures, colonialism, slavery, and the subregion? struggles for freedom. 8. Analyzing Visuals Study the circle graph on page 222. Which 3. List and describe the factors that have influenced culture in ethnic group makes up the majority of the population in the Central America and the Caribbean. Give examples. Caribbean? Why do you think this is so? What other groups 4. How is culture in this subregion similar to that of Mexico? How have large populations in this subregion? is it different? 5. Use a table like the one below to explain how diverse ethnic Writing About Geography groups, migration, small land areas, and rapid population 9. Narrative Writing Write a paragraph describing the series of growth have shaped the population in Central America and events that led to the exploration, conquest, and colonization the Caribbean. of Central America and the Caribbean and the role geography played in these events. Population characteristics Examples Ethnic groups ONLINE Migration Geography Small land areas Study CentralCentral™ To To review review this this section, section, go go to to glencoe.com and click on Study Central. Rapid population growth

226 Unit 3 SECTION 3 South America Guide to Reading South America’s diverse population is the result of centuries of blending among hundreds of indige- Section Preview The cultural geography of South nous groups, Spanish, Portuguese, and Africans. America has been influenced by Some areas in South America are a microcosm of Native American and European cul- tures, migration, physical geogra- these diverse cultures. In other areas — many of phy, and urbanization. them remote and isolated — indigenous peoples live

Content Vocabulary much as their ancestors did hundreds of years ago, • brain drain (p. 228) untouched by the influence of other cultures. • quipu (p. 229) Academic Vocabulary Voices Around the World • hierarchical (p. 229) • comprised (p. 230) “ . . . [A]s close as we South Americans feel to one another, we also sense a Places to Locate strangeness. The mountains have been boundaries, allowing different cultures • (p. 228) to grow up in proximity. . . . Closely identifying with European cultures, • (p. 228) and view the as a spectacular backdrop. Few live • (p. 228) in the jagged heights, which become bitterly • Rio de Janeiro (p. 228) cold in winter. . . . From Bolivia to • Brasília (p. 228) , though, tropical air • São Paulo (p. 229) produces a transformation, mak- • Buenos Aires (p. 229) ing the high country • Cuzco (p. 229) habitable.” Reading Strategy Organizing As you read, complete — Pablo Corral Vega, a web diagram similar to the one “In the Shadow of the below by listing South America’s Andes,” National Geographic, February 2001 megacities.

Megacities

Aymara in the Bolivian Andes

Chapter 9 227

David Mercado/Reuters/CORBIS more remote areas. Most indigenous groups — of Population Patterns which there are more than 350 — live in the Andes region of Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. The Spanish MMAINAIN IIdeadea South America’s population has been and Portuguese were the first Europeans in South shaped by ethnic diversity, physical geography, America. Enslaved Africans were later brought as migration, and urban growth. laborers. After the countries of South America GEOGRAPHY AND YOU What kinds of physical gained their independence, other European features affect where people in your town live? groups — French, Dutch, , and Read to learn what shapes population patterns in — came as well. Immigrants from Asia also arrived South America. in South America. In , about one-half of the population is of South Asian or Southeast Asian South America is the world’s fourth-largest descent. Many people of Chinese descent make and is home to a population of more their homes in Peru, and many people of Japanese than 373 million people. descent live in Brazil, , and Peru.

The People Density and Distribution South America is home to an ethnically diverse South America’s high rate of population growth population. Today many indigenous cultures magnifies the challenges to settlement already pre- inhabit parts of the subregion, especially in rural or sented by physical geography. The rain forests, des- erts, and mountains that dominate South America’s interior discourage human settlement. As a result, Population Density most South Americans live on the continent’s in Latin America edges, an area sometimes called the “populated rim.” The coastal regions provide favorable cli- mates, fertile land, and easy access to transporta- tion systems. To draw people away from the densely populated coast, the Brazilian government in 1960 moved the capital from coastal Rio de Janeiro to Brasília, a planned city built in the coun- try’s interior. South American countries, with their relatively large land areas, tend to have low population densities. In Ecuador, the most densely populated country in South America, an average of 119 peo- ple share a square mile (46 per sq. km). Brazil has a population of more than 184 million, but its enormous land area, about 3.3 million square miles (8.5 million sq. km), results in an average population density of only 56 people per square mile (22 per sq. km). The search for better wages and living condi- tions and the desire to escape the violence of civil war motivate many people to leave South America. However, compared with Mexico — which has the largest flow of immi- grants to the United States — migration from 1. Location Where are South America’s megacities located? South America to the United States is low. Some 2. Regions Compare this map to the physical map on page 190. Why countries, such as Guyana, Ecuador, and is there lower population density along the Pacific coast? , are experiencing a large brain drain, or the loss of their more highly educated and Use StudentWorks™ Plus or glencoe.com. skilled workers to other countries.

228 Unit 3 LATIN AMERICA 229 Chapter 9 empire. antinsuyu, hierarchical w government. Ta lengths. How might valuable min- How might valuable

laborers. (KEE•poo), a series of knot- (KEE•poo), YOU

in what is now Peru.

Indigenous civilizations, colonization, civilizations, colonization, Indigenous quipu to each generation through storytell- a settlement. Cultures e Cuzco, d IIdea

N I ast mineral resources of silver and gold pro- A ith no written language, knowledge was knowledge was ith no written language, V The Inca ruled through a central government government The Inca ruled through a central building tem- The Inca were skilled engineers, Native Americans and Europeans contributed Americans and Native other empire, Before the Inca established their MAIN MMAIN ted cords of various colors and It was this vided the Inca with their great wealth. that led Spanish however wealth, The network of Inca roads to the shores of Peru. helped the Spanish conquer the immense History and Government influ- rule have and authoritarian independence, history and enced South America’s GEOGRAPHY AND diversity influence the his- erals and environmental Read to learn about the early tory of a region? and the factors that influ- history of South America enced its Early that were based primarily on agriculture. The The that were based primarily on agriculture. civili- Inca later established a highly developed Inca Empire the At its height, Andes. zation in the to central stretched from present-day Ecuador The empire was called . “the land of the four quarters.” which means Inca built their the Where the four quarters met, capital, In their headed by an emperor. and army com- high priest, the emperor, society, over all mander exercised complete authority Among the lowest classes were other classes. and artisans, farmers, and laying out a network of ples and fortresses, roads that crossed mountain passes and pene- Inca farmers cut terraces into the trated forests. Andes and built irrigation systems. slopes of the W passed on the keep financial and historical records, To ing. Inca used a to South America’s history and to the creation of history America’s to South modern governments. such as the Moche, — early indigenous groups Mapuche, and — developed Aymara societies traffic. Machu Picchu reflects the Inca’s mastery of building Human-Environment Interaction

in Argentina now rank among the Argentina now rank among in and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and and Rio de Janeiro

continent? or , most of which are located on most of which are or slums, are the city’s wealthy neighborhoods, wealthy neighborhoods, are the city’s

What other creations reflect the Inca’s skills as engineers? Gisela Damm/eStock Photo elas elas, v São Paulo The population in South America has become America in South population The v oday about 80 percent of the subregion’s popula- the subregion’s 80 percent of oday about Why do most South Americans live in the coastal Why do most South Americans live areas of the Urban Challenges megacities continue to be housing, employment, employment, megacities continue to be housing, and crime, maintaining infrastructure, where houses are hidden behind gates or walls. gates or walls. where houses are hidden behind and other The major challenges in São Paulo Buenos Aires tion is urban. In Argentina and , urbaniza- and Uruguay, Argentina In tion is urban. In foreign immigration. been the result of tion has urbanization however, of countries, the majority migration. the result of internal has been disproportionately urban because of migration. migration. of because urban disproportionately T percent of São Paulo, for example, consists of for example, percent of São Paulo, fa contrast to the In sharp the outskirts of the city. fa world’s 15 largest urban areas in population. 15 largest urban areas in population. world’s illustrates the often Each of these megacities Twenty rich and poor. extreme chasm between with blocks of stone cut to fit together tightly without the use of mortar. Place European Conquests The European colonies became sources of From the Spanish territory of Panama, con- wealth for the home countries. Some Spanish set- quistador Francisco Pizarro sailed for Peru. By tlers prospered from the mining of gold and sil- 1535 the Inca had been weakened by civil war ver. The Portuguese discovered precious metals in and Pizarro and the Spanish were able to destroy Brazil and made use of brazilwood, a tree used to the Inca Empire. From Peru, Spanish conquista- make dye. On their plantations, the Spanish, dors expanded into Colombia, Argentina, and Portuguese, and Dutch grew coffee, sugarcane, Chile. The Portuguese settled on the coast of and for export to Europe. Brazil, while the British, French, and Dutch set- Epidemic diseases imported by the Europeans tled in parts of northern South America. and the hardships of working on colonial plan- As in other European-ruled territories, the con- tations drastically reduced the Native American querors set up highly structured political systems. population. To meet the labor shortage, European Territories were part of the viceroyalties of New colonists imported enslaved Africans. In the Granada, Peru, La Plata, and Brazil. In both Dutch colony of , for example, enslaved Spanish and Portuguese colonies, the Roman Africans comprised the majority of the popula- became the unifying institution. tion until the mid-nineteenth century.

Independence Struggles for Democracy Encouraged by the French and American Revolutions and the struggles for indepen- dence in Mexico and the Caribbean, the countries of South America also sought their independence from colo- nial rule. By the mid-1800s, most had achieved their goal under such leaders as Simón Bolívar of Venezuela and José de San Martín of Argentina. Only Brazil became indepen- dent without a violent upheaval. Suriname did not gain its inde- pendence from the until 1975. remains a part of France today, although public opinion reflects its ongoing struggle for independence. The postcolonial period was politically and economically Source: unstable for the newly inde- pendent countries of South America. They lacked the tra- dition of self-government. And 1. Regions Why are Colombia’s paramilitary and insurgent groups despite written constitutions, not perceived as a threat to the government? power remained in the hands of the elite. With military backing, caudillos throughout South 2. Place Of the countries shown on the map, which has experienced America seized power — often forcibly and the longest period of electoral democracy? illegally.

230 Unit 3 LATIN AMERICA 231 . Chapter 9 elas v fa Africans. Care languages. Many Native Many languages. What geographic features What geographic

Religion YOU The culture of South America has been of South America The culture

a e d IIdea

N I A The majority of South Americans are Roman The majority of South Education varies greatly throughout South In countries with stable economies and high In South America — one of the world’s most one of the world’s — America In South and French are Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, MAIN MMAIN Education and Health Education and Health Culture of and beliefs by the arts, traditions, influenced and peoples, Europeans, indigenous AND GEOGRAPHY might serve to isolate cultures in South America Read to learn about the factors from one another? in the subregion. that influence culture Language and concerns linked to poverty, lack of sanitation, lack of sanitation, concerns linked to poverty, however, and malnutrition, infectious diseases, continue to exist in the rural or more remote areas These concerns also exist in the America. of South slums on the outskirts of large cities where mil- lions of people live in the overcrowded to form completely new throughout American languages have survived America and are still spoken today. South but tens of millions of people practice Catholic, and Candomblé, such as mixed religions, religions with RomanAfrican West which combine Other religions practiced include Catholicism. Buddhism, Hinduism, Protestant Christianity, and Eastern Orthodoxy. Judaism, Islam, Shinto, Many countries have devoted more America. and literacy rates have funds to public schools, Some public universities provide risen steadily. higher education at little or no cost to students. In other countries education is considered a lux- drop and many children ury among the poor, out of school to help support their families. people have access to better standards of living, Health healthier lives. health care and live longer, culturally diverse areas — aspects of culture can — areas culturally diverse village to from an isolated be found everywhere, a bustling city. the subregion. each spoken in different parts of America are also bilin- Many people in South some European lan- colonial rule, During gual. languages American guages blended with Native

’ ’ America? (online), January 21, 2006 January 21, (online), What early Native Amer-

Change

Regions The Church of Our Lady of the Chains, Penedo, BBC News

What other cultures have influenced but I think things are going to get better. but I think things are It’s the time of the Indian. . . . We’ll see how it goes It’s the time of the Indian. . . . We’ll

John Pennock/Lonely Planet Images ‘

Dictatorships gave way to democratically democratically way to gave Dictatorships ‘ — Daniel Schweimler, “Latin America’s Winds of Change,” of Change,” Winds America’s “Latin Schweimler, Daniel —

Movements for for Movements the rights of indigenous peoples. A Bolivian man, A Bolivian man, peoples. the rights of indigenous of described the significance Don Gregorio, victory in Bolivia: Morales’s change through their right to vote. In 2006, for In 2006, their right to vote. change through elected their first the people of Chile example, Michelle Bachelet. female president, as their Indian, Aymara an elected Evo Morales, Morales promises to president. first indigenous and increase tax the wealthy, fight corruption, elected governments in some countries. Today, Today, some countries. in elected governments to end countries are struggling these however, the gap address politics and violence, corrupt and create jobs, the rich and poor, between South of indigenous groups. strengthen the rights expressed their demands for Americans have ican civilization dominated South Brazil, reflects the legacy of colonial rule. Regions religion in South America? The Arts mythical and fantastic. Chilean poets Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda won the Nobel Prize Native American arts survive in many different for Literature. forms. The massive buildings of the ancient Inca at Cuzco and Machu Picchu reveal a mastery of stone and engineering that is still studied today. Family Life and Leisure Traditional arts and crafts dating before the arrival In urban upper and middle classes, the family is of the Europeans — such as weaving, ceramics, more likely to consist of a nuclear household — and metalworking —have been passed from gen- father, mother, and dependent children — rather eration to generation and continue today. Music than an extended family. Loyalty and responsibil- also has ancient ties. Panpipes are one of the most ity toward the extended family, however, remain common pre-Columbian musical instruments from very strong. The compadre relationship is also val- the Andean region. Musical traditions later mixed ued, yet changes brought about by urban society Native American, African, and European influ- have diminished its importance in some places. ences to create unique styles, including the Brazilian People are passionate about soccer in South samba and the Argentine tango. America. Other popular sports include polo, During colonial times, Spanish art forms auto racing, tennis, boxing, and basketball. inspired painting and architecture in South Social life and leisure time revolve around family America. Roman Catholic churches built in visits, patriotic events, religious feast days, and Spanish and Portuguese designs still stand. Their festivals. Carnival, celebrated in the week before architectural style was often enlivened by color the Roman Catholic observance of Lent, is a 40- and details added by Native American and African day period of fasting and prayer before . artists. Today, Brazilian architect People from around the world come to Rio de is known for the modern buildings of Brasília. Janeiro, home of one of the largest Carnival Many South American writers have won inter- celebrations. national recognition. Colombian novelist Gabriel Place What was the theme of García Márquez blends everyday reality with the most art forms produced in colonial South America?

SECTION 3 REVIEW Vocabulary Critical Thinking 1. Explain the significance of: brain drain, quipu. 6. How has physical geography influenced the culture of South America? Give an example. Main Ideas 7. Making Generalizations On an outline map, label the coun- 2. Explain how South America’s population patterns have been tries of South America. What factors do you think determine shaped by ethnic diversity, physical geography, migration, and their political boundaries? urban growth. 8. Analyzing Visuals Review the population density map on 3. What has caused the population of South America to become page 228. What generalization can you make about popula- disproportionately urban? tion density in Brazil? In Argentina? 4. Describe how each of the following factors influenced history and government in South America: indigenous civilizations, Writing About Geography colonization, independence, and authoritarian rule. 9. Descriptive Writing Suppose you live in a rural area of South 5. Using a chart like the one below, list the influences that con- America. Write a letter to your parents, expressing your desire tributed to cultural aspects of South America. Describe two to attend college in Rio de Janeiro. Describe opportunities and influences for each aspect of South American culture. challenges you will face.

Influences Aspects of Culture • • Language Geography ONLINE • • Religion • Study Central™ To review this section, go to • The Arts glencoe.com and click on Study Central.

232 Unit 3 LATIN AMERICA . 233 glencoe.com Chapter 9 by downloading quizzes by downloading your to and flashcards PDA from Study anywhere, anytime anywhere, Study OLONIZATION C

AND

Bolivian president Evo Morales ISTORY 40,000 years ago. 40,000 years agriculture. mathematics, astronomy, and Latin America inSpanish and Portuguese explorers came to rich resources. the 1500s and colonized the region, extracting This is were traded between the Americas and Europe. Exchange. known as the Columbian • The first people in the region probably came from Asia over • They developed advanced cultures, and were skilled in • • In addition to gold and silver, plants, animals, and diseases H IGRATION VISUAL SUMMARY SUMMARY VISUAL M

AND

9 ORWARD F Early Migration Routes

OVING (bkgd)Robert Laberge/Getty Images, (b)Martin Alipaz/EFE/CORBIS RBANIZATION The violence disrupted economies and led to instability in the region. The violence disrupted economies and led to instability in the corruption. working to stop of colonization still remain. Most are Roman Catholic, language. and speak a European Latin American countries began gaining their independence in the 1800s. people migrate to the cities looking for better wages and people migrate to the violence. escape living conditions, or to cities. primate megacities and some citizens. This drains the these are the most well-educated resources. human countries of important M U • Most of the countries gained independence through violent means. • Today most Latin American countries are democratic, and citizens are • revolted against the Europeans, many legacies Although the countries • • some of the urbanization, Latin America has Because • Often Latin Americans migrate to other countries. Some • as America is becoming more and more urbanized Latin CHAPTER WHY GEOGRAPHY MATTERS

Problem: The countries of South America need an efficient, accessible, and cost-effective Lack of Services Before the explosion of communications network to cell phone technology, communications connect the residents of the capabilities were limited in many South region. A lack of such ser- Inefficient and Costly It takes great time American countries. This man, living in vices contributes to under- and effort to construct the and lines Ecuador, sells the use of his working tele- development in parts of necessary to provide landline telephone ser- phone to neighbors and passersby. the region. vice. There is added expense involved in keeping these networks in working order.

234 Unit 3

(bkgd)Jan Butchofsky-Houser/CORBIS, (b)Paulo Whitaker/Reuters/CORBIS South America: Cell Phone Usage Connecting People Establishing communications networks such as land- line telephone services has long been a problem in South America. The rugged terrain, remote villages, and cost contribute to the region’s limited access. Since the early 1990s, the number of Latin American households with cell phones has increased over 1300 percent, helping to connect the region’s coun- tries to each other and to the rest of the world. Why has the construction been slow? The infra- structure needed to provide traditional landline service take a lot of time, money, and labor to con- struct. The geography of the region makes this con- Source: www.cia.gov, struction time-consuming and costly particularly in The World Factbook 2006. remote areas. Residents in these areas often have little to no phone access at all. What are the reasons for cell phone popularity? Cell towers can be constructed in remote areas 100 more easily than landlines, allowing the residents

in these areas to be better connected. The start-up LATIN AMERICA 80 costs are much less. Access to landline phone ser- vice, if available, costs between $50 to $200 in start- 60 up fees. Economically this is out of the reach of 40 many people. Cell phone providers offer service quickly and for a lower cost. 20 How do users control cost? Although the start-up 0 fees associated with cell phones are less than the Chile Ecuador Bolivia Venezuela cost of regular phone service, the service does ITU World Telecommunications Indicators Database. come with monthly fees. Increased usage and com- petition between cell phone providers have helped to bring these charges down, but they are still often too costly for many residents. To keep expenses manageable, most South American residents choose to prepay for service. Additional measures such as calling-party-pays (CPP) billing systems are also used. Solution: THINKING GEOGRAPHICALLY

Much of South America, 1. Human Systems How might the increased like many parts of Africa Cellular telephone towers, communications network offered by cell and Asia, has turned to phones affect the economy of remote areas? cell phone technology to like this one, are now bring- enhance the region’s com- ing phone service to those 2. The World in Spatial Terms How might the munications capabilities. previously unable to receive physical geography of South America account these services because of for the greater number of cellular connections? remote location and cost.

Chapter 9 235

(b)Royalty-Free/CORBIS CHAPTER 9 STANDARDIZED TEST PRACTICE

TESTTEST-TAKING TAKING TIP

Be sure to read all the choices before you answer a question. The fi rst choice may seem to “fi t” because it is about Latin America when a later choice is really the best one.

Reviewing V ocabulary Reviewing Main Ideas Directions: Choose the word or words that best complete the Directions: Choose the best answers to the following questions. sentence. Section 1 (pp. 216–220) 1. People who are descendants of a region’s fi rst inhabitants are 5. People of mixed Native American and Spanish ancestry are people. called . A ruling A Aztec B religious B Maya C indigenous C native peoples D conquering D mestizos

2. To increase their farmland, Aztec farmers built “fl oating” fi elds called . A syncretism B chinampas Section 2 (pp. 221–226) C caudillo 6. With small areas and rapidly growing populations, D pyramids contain(s) some of the most densely populated countries of Latin America. A Central America 3. A form of a language that is unique to a particular place is B Yucatán a . C the Andes A vocabulary D the Caribbean islands B grammar C dialect D lingua franca

4. The loss of the most educated people of a country through Section 3 (pp. 227–232) emigration is called . 7. Where does most of the population of South America live? A immigration A in the Andes B illegal migration B in the C refugees C near the coast D a brain drain D in southern Argentina

GO ON

236 Unit 3 ASSESSMENT

Critical Thinking Document-Based Questions Directions: Choose the best answers to the following questions. Directions: Analyze the document and answer the short-answer questions that follow the document. 8. Why has urbanization been a major challenge for Latin American countries? Bernal Díaz served with conquistador Hernán Cortés. Here is his A Large numbers of people have moved to cities looking for description of their arrival in what is today Mexico City. better jobs. . . . we came to a broad causeway and continued our march B Countries have suffered a brain drain. towards Iztapalapa. And when we saw all those cities and vil- C Caudillos ruled Mexico for many years after independence. lages built in the water, and other great towns on dry land, and that straight and level causeway leading to Mexico [City], D The Aztec, Maya, and Inca had highly developed we were astounded. These great towns . . . and buildings civilizations. rising from the water, all made of stone, seemed like an enchanted vision from the tale of Amadis. Indeed, some of Base your answer to question 9 on the map and on your knowledge of our soldiers asked whether it was not all a dream . . . . Chapter 9. And when we entered the city of Iztapalapa, the sight of the South America: Languages palaces in which they lodged us! They were very spacious and well built, of magnifi cent stone, cedar wood, and the wood of other sweet-smelling trees, with great rooms and courts, which were a wonderful sight, and all covered with awnings of woven cotton. When we had taken a good look at all this, we went to the orchard and garden, which was a marvelous place both to see and to walk in . . . Another remarkable thing was that large canoes could come into the gardens from the lake, through a channel they had cut, and their crews did not have to disembark. Everything was shining with lime and decorated with different kinds of stonework and paintings which were a marvel to gaze on. . . . — Bernal Díaz, The Conquest of

10. Based on the description provided by Díaz, how would you describe the level of civilization of the Native Americans in Mexico?

Extended Response 11. Compare the culture of Mexico to that of Central America and the Caribbean. How are the cultures similar? How are they different?

STOP 9. Which language is dominant in most South American countries? A Spanish C English Geography ONLINE B Portuguese D Dutch For additional test practice, use Self-Check Quizzes— Chapter 9 on glencoe.com.

Need Extra Help? If you missed questions. . . 1 2 3 4 5 67891011 Go to page. . . 217 218 225 228 217 222 228 217 237 237 219–220, 225–226

Chapter 9 237 CONNECTING TO THE UNITED STATES

Dancer Performing a traditional Mexican dance

Just the Facts: • Most Americans, also called Latinos, are of Latin American descent. • In the United States, Spanish speakers number over 35 million. • Latinos are the fastest-growing minority and the larg- est — 13% of the U.S. population. • About 90% of Latinos live in urban areas. • The spending power of Latinos in the United States has increased by 118% in the past decade. • American corporations are hiring bilingual employees to reach Spanish-speaking consumers.

238 Unit 3

Larry Dale Gordon/Getty Images You Already Speak Spanish Place Meaning Making the Amarillo yellow Connection Boca Ratón mouse bay Latinos living in the United States Colorado red colored have kept many of their traditions, Florida flowery which have influenced U.S. culture. Fresno ash tree Food — You Are What You Eat Mexican food has become so Las Vegas the meadows popular in the United States Montaña mountain that you are just as likely to Nevada snowcapped order a or burrito for lunch as you are a cheese- Only a few regions Palo Alto high pole burger or pizza. Many restau- of Mexico cook with Puerto Rico rich port rant chains offer Mexican- hot chilies inspired . The most authentic restaurants are often owned and operated by Latinos. They serve items such as , burritos, , and salsa. , a favorite sweet throughout the world, has its origins in Latin America. Chocolate is made from the cacao that is indigenous to Mexico and Central America. LATIN AMERICA Discovered by the Aztec and the Maya, choco- late was first used in drinks and spicy sauces. Colombian-born singer Shakira Arts and Entertainment Latin music has increased in popularity as immigration from Latin America to the United States has increased. Artists such as Shakira and Marc Anthony have had widespread success in the United States. Perhaps the most successful has been Ricky Martin, with over 10.5 million CDs sold in the U.S. alone. Holidays — Fiesta Forever Cinco de Mayo a minor holiday in Mexico, has become a major Puerto Rican Day parade in New York celebration in many U.S. cities. Denver hosts the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the United States with parades, exhibits, music, dancing, and food. , Chicago, and New York host Cuban and Puerto Rican festivals.

THINKING GEOGRAPHICALLY

1. The World in Spatial Terms Use the graph and the map to interpret the Hispanic settle- ment of the United States. 2. Human Systems Describe the economic impact of the growing population in the United States.

Chapter 9 239

(tr)John A Rizzo/Getty Images, (c)Brad Barket/Getty Images, (bc)Stephen Chernin/Getty Images

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