Latin America
Definition
Latin America refers to the region of the Americas where Romance languages (Spanish, Portuguese, and French) are primarily spoken. It includes countries in Central and South America, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean.
Analogy
Think of Latin America as a colorful quilt. Each patch represents a different country with its unique culture, history, and language - but they're all stitched together by their shared colonial past and linguistic similarities.
Related terms
Mestizo: This term refers to people of mixed European (primarily Spanish or Portuguese) and Indigenous American descent. The concept originated in Latin America during the colonial era.
Creole: In the context of Latin American history, this term refers to people born in the Americas but descended from European settlers - mainly Spanish or Portuguese.
Liberation Theology: A Christian movement that started in Latin America in the 1950s-60s which emphasizes social concern for the poor and political liberation for oppressed peoples.
"Latin America" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (4)
How did Spanish colonial rule impact class structure in Latin America during the period from 1450-1750?
What differentiates Simon Bolivar's vision for Latin America from that of Jose de San Martin?
What might have been the impact on global industrialization if Latin America had not opened its markets to foreign trade during the 19th century?
What is the primary difference between the anti-globalization movements in Western Europe and Latin America during the 20th century?
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