Latin America: Geography, History, and Environment
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Questions and Answers

Based on the provided materials, which pairing demonstrates an economic activity closely associated with a specific geographical feature?

  • Bananas (B) and Earthquakes
  • Tourism (T) and Sugarcane
  • Coffee and Tropical Rainforest (TRF) (correct)
  • Copper (C) and Beach

Which of the following scenarios accurately reflects a legacy of colonialism as described in the provided materials?

  • A political movement advocating for land redistribution to address historical inequalities. (correct)
  • A society where class distinctions are independent of racial identity.
  • A stable demographic structure with minimal population change.
  • A balanced distribution of land ownership among the population.

Considering the information about climate hazards, what inference can be made regarding the potential impact of El Niño conditions in January 2024?

  • A reduced likelihood of flooding.
  • A decreased risk of hurricanes.
  • No noticeable impact on regional weather patterns.
  • An increased probability of drought in some regions. (correct)

How did colonialism alter demographics?

<p>Settler colonies established, slavery and indentured labor (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Columbian Exchange' refer to, within the context of ecological transformations during the colonial era?

<p>The transfer of plants, genes, and diseases between the Old World and the New World. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has Latin America's geographic location most significantly influenced its development and history?

<p>Through its proximity to the United States, which has led to substantial investment, trade dependencies, political interventions, and challenges related to security and drug trafficking. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which combination of geographic and climatic factors primarily contributes to Latin America's high biodiversity?

<p>Predominantly tropical and sub-tropical climate coupled with diverse topography. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A multinational corporation is assessing potential locations for a new agricultural operation. Considering Latin America's physical characteristics, which factor would be MOST advantageous for cultivating crops such as sugar, bananas, and soybeans?

<p>Great agricultural land suited for these specific crops. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do Latin America's abundant freshwater resources MOST significantly contribute to its economic potential?

<p>By enhancing its capacity for hydropower generation, offering a renewable energy source. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a country in Latin America is heavily dependent on exporting raw materials such as copper, silver, and oil, which of the following scenarios is MOST likely to hinder its long-term economic development?

<p>Fluctuations in global commodity prices and market demand. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary economic challenge faced by PCED (Primary Commodity Export Dependent) countries due to their reliance on primary commodity exports?

<p>Decreasing terms of trade over time, leading to trade deficits and foreign debt. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor significantly influenced the economic and political landscape of Latin American countries following their early independence movements?

<p>The rise of US hegemony coinciding with their independence, impacting trade and politics. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the export boom experienced by some Latin American countries between 1850 and 1920 affect their long-term development?

<p>It generated local capital and an infrastructure base, fostering future development. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a common characteristic of the independence movements in most Latin American countries by 1830?

<p>They were led by creole elites (Criollos) who retained political and economic power. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely economic consequence for a country that relies heavily on exporting seasonal fruits like avocados?

<p>Exposure to price volatility and seasonal demand fluctuations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A country primarily exporting raw materials experiences a trade imbalance due to fluctuating global commodity prices. Which strategy would be LEAST effective in addressing this issue?

<p>Increasing reliance on a single, high-demand commodity to maximize short-term profits. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did colonial policies contribute to the primary commodity export dependency (PCED) in many formerly colonized territories?

<p>By prohibiting the development of secondary and tertiary industries. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A nation heavily reliant on exporting a single agricultural product experiences a sharp decline in global prices due to oversupply. What is the MOST likely consequence for this nation's economy?

<p>A negative trade balance and increased debt. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of primary commodity export dependency (PCED), what does 'terms of trade' refer to?

<p>The ratio of export prices to import prices. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors is a direct cause of rural to urban migration, as suggested by the content?

<p>Unequal land distribution. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of rapid urbanization, particularly in the context of rural displacement?

<p>The formation of megacities with slums or favelas. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios BEST illustrates the concept of primary commodity export dependency (PCED)?

<p>A country specializes in producing and exporting coffee beans, while importing most of its manufactured goods. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'primary' signify in the context of primary commodity export dependency?

<p>An unprocessed or low value-added commodity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Delimiting the Region

Defining a geographic area based on geography, culture, and history.

Impact of Location on History

Latin America's geographic position has influenced trade, investment, and political issues.

Natural Resources

Vital materials found in Latin America, including forests, agricultural land, and minerals.

Biodiversity

High variety of life forms in Latin America due to diverse climates and topography.

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Natural Disasters

Significant environmental events affecting Latin America, like El Niño and hurricanes.

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Indigenous Holocaust

The drastic decline of indigenous population, primarily due to colonization.

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Columbian Exchange

The transfer of plants, animals, and diseases between the Americas and Europe.

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Haciendas

Large estates or plantations in Latin America, often linked to land inequality.

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Social Stratification

The hierarchical arrangement of individuals based on race and class.

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Land Reform

The process of redistributing land to achieve more equal ownership.

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Declining Terms of Trade

Most PCED countries experienced deteriorating trade ratios over the last century.

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Export Boom (1850-1920)

A period of increased export activities that attracted foreign investments and built local infrastructure.

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Creole Elites

Local leaders of colonial descent who gained power after independence in Latin America.

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Primary Commodities

Basic agricultural and mineral products that are often exported, such as sugar and bananas.

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Foreign Debt Consequences

Resulting social and political issues arising from increased foreign debts in PCED countries.

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Urbanization

The increase of the population living in urban areas, often over 80%.

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Rural to Urban Migration

The movement of people from countryside to cities due to land distribution issues.

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Megacities

Massive cities with populations over 10 million, often featuring slums or favelas.

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Favelas

Informal settlements or slums in Brazil with poor living conditions.

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Primary Commodity Export Dependency (PCED)

Economic reliance on exporting raw materials from colonized territories.

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Tropical Commodities

High-demand raw materials, like sugar and bananas, produced in colonies.

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Economic Legacy of PCED

Continued economic dependency on primary commodities, limiting growth avenues.

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Terms of Trade

The ratio of export prices to import prices, which can decline over time.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Latin America & the Caribbean

  • Lecture focuses on the geographical and historical background of Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Examines physical geography, location, and resources.
  • Discusses the impact of geographic location on history and development.
  • Explores natural resources, climate, biodiversity, and potential natural disasters.
  • Discusses the legacy of colonialism and early incorporation.
  • Covers the evolution of land distribution, urbanization, and unequal land distributions.
  • Outlines the primary commodity export dependency (PCED).
  • Lastly, explores early independence, political and economic shifts, and relevant timetables.

Physical Geography: Location and Resources

  • Region defined geographically, culturally, and historically.
  • Latin America's strategic location influenced its history and development.
  • Key factors include European exploration, proximity to the United States, trade routes, and political interests.
  • Historical ties impacted commodity imports, security interests, drug trafficking.
  • Region characterized by tropical and subtropical climates.
  • Diverse topography leads to high biodiversity.
  • Vast forests and rainforests.
  • Significant agricultural land producing various products: sugar, bananas, soya.
  • Abundant fresh water resources and high hydroelectric potential.
  • Extensive mineral resources (copper, silver, oil)
  • Region susceptible to natural disasters (El Niño, hurricanes, earthquakes).

Colonialism and its Legacies

  • Early incorporation phase involved drastic demographic transformations.
  • Indigenous populations severely impacted (90% or more deaths in some cases)
  • Colonial powers established settler colonies, promoted slavery, and used indentured labor.
  • Social stratification influenced by race and class.
  • Columbian Exchange influenced the introduction of various plants, genes, and diseases.
  • Significant deforestation and large-scale land distribution inequality

Unequal Land Distribution and Urbanization

  • Historical patterns of land distribution contributed to significant unevenness.
  • Large estates (latifundia) versus small farms (minifundia)
  • Need for land reform and redistribution to address inequalities.
  • Rural-to-urban migration is a common trend, driving urbanization and leading to megacities with slums and favelas.

Primary Commodity Export Dependency

  • Colonized territories were forced to specialize in particular raw materials or primary commodities.
  • Led to significant dependence on exported commodities with low value added.
  • Colonial structures created export dependencies, impacting economies and limiting diversification.
  • This dependency is reflected in current challenges, such as dependence on commodity prices and trade imbalances.

Early Independence

  • Most of the region gained independence by 1830.
  • Creole elites led the independence movements but retained political/economic control.
  • Post-independence, a boom in agricultural trade (e.g., sugar, bananas) attracted significant foreign investment.
  • This led to the development of infrastructure, but also created new challenges related to economic dependence.

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Description

Explore Latin America's geography. Understand the legacy of colonialism. Analyze environmental impacts, biodiversity, climate hazards and El Nino. Includes legacy of colonialism and economic development.

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