Latin American History

ban on trade with another country (ex. the US placed this on Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis)

• tariff

• embargo

• quota

The primary language spoken in Brazil

• Spanish

• Portuguese

• English

• hacienda

When did most Latin American countries gain their independence from Spain?

• 1500s

• 1600s

• 1700s

• 1800s

Answer explanation

Most Latin American countries gained their independence from Spain in the 1800s, following a series of revolutions and wars of independence that began around 1808 and continued through the 1820s.

What did indigenous people in Latin America experience due to colonialism?

• Economic growth

• Cultural loss and a lack of power

• Technological advancement

• Increased political influence

Answer explanation

Indigenous people in Latin America faced cultural loss and a lack of power due to colonialism, as their traditions, languages, and social structures were undermined by European domination and exploitation.

What type of agriculture did Europeans start in Latin America using Native Americans as workers?

• Rice farming

• Cattle ranching

• Wheat farming

• Fruit orchards

Answer explanation

Europeans primarily established cattle ranching in Latin America, utilizing Native Americans as laborers. This practice was significant for the economy and land use during colonization, making cattle ranching the correct answer.

Who began conquering Latin American regions during the 1500s?

• The British

• The French

• The Spanish

• The Portuguese

Answer explanation

The Spanish began their conquests in Latin America during the 1500s, led by explorers like Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro, who overthrew indigenous empires such as the Aztecs and Incas.

Where did the Mayans live from about 250 to 900 A.D.?

• The Andes Mountains

• The Yucatan Peninsula

• The Amazon Rainforest

• The Sahara Desert

Answer explanation

The Mayans lived in the Yucatan Peninsula from about 250 to 900 A.D., where they developed a complex civilization known for its architecture, mathematics, and astronomy.

What is the term used to describe the area that includes present-day Mexico, Central America, and South America?

• Eurasia

• Mesoamerica

• Latin America

• Oceania

Answer explanation

The term 'Latin America' refers to the region that encompasses present-day Mexico, Central America, and South America, highlighting the shared cultural and linguistic heritage of these areas.

What was the prophecy that led the Mexica to settle in Lake Texcoco?

• An eagle sitting on a cactus eating a snake

• A jaguar roaring at the moon

• A serpent flying over the mountains

• A bear fishing in a river

Answer explanation

The prophecy that led the Mexica to settle in Lake Texcoco was of an eagle sitting on a cactus eating a snake. This vision symbolized their destined location, which they found on an island in the lake.

What type of farming was used by the Inca in mountainous areas?

• Terrace farming

• Slash-and-burn farming

• Hydroponic farming

• Subsistence farming

Answer explanation

The Inca utilized terrace farming in mountainous areas to create flat surfaces for agriculture, allowing them to effectively manage water and soil erosion while maximizing arable land.