Geography; Places I don't even live in

This image of a random map

https://cdn.app.edmentum.com/EdAssets/2eb08bf6538e48f0b3ac9d47995436f7?ts=635674350870170000

This picture

https://cdn.app.edmentum.com/EdAssets/dace87acf93740dcba522cb69b00c0c1?ts=635674350625870000

Central McAmerican

Maize, a plant native only to the Americas, and cotton have been farmed for centuries in Central America. Following the independence movements of the 1820s, Honduras, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua took advantage of their highland climates and became producers of coffee. A strong worldwide demand for coffee helped grow exports. Central Americans also turned to their lowlands to produce bananas. Some Central American nations mine lead, gold, and silver.

This mess we call politics - Mexico's style

When Mexico gained independence, Mexicans had to decide how they would govern themselves. The Mexican Revolution intended to distribute the wealth on a more equal basis. However, the Revolution's success was not felt by the majority poor, and still eludes many today. By 1940, the Mexican government took an active role in breaking up the haciendas and distributing land to the poor. Villagers began to work land owned in common, called ejidos. Mexico's poor supported themselves through subsistence farming. Mexico's constitution was written in 1917, and it set up a government similar to that of the United States of America. The power of the national government is separated into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. In 1929, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) took control of Mexico as the main political party. From 1929 to 2000, the PRI won every presidential election. Mexico's government was in reality a one-party system. Groups such as the Zapatistas violently resisted this government. Named for Emiliano Zapata, hero of the Mexican Revolution, the Zapatistas rebelled in 1994. Made up mainly of indigenous people, the Zapatistas primarily aimed to reclaim land taken by Spanish conquerors. A cease fire was reached late in 1994. Mexico's constitution did allow for more than one party to compete for governance. Then, in the year 2000, another party won election. Nation Action Party (PAN) won the presidential election and the people elected Vincent Fox.

Politics ft. Central America

The countries of Central America have not had an easy road to freedom. Many Central American countries have dealt with dictators over the years, and revolutions aimed at removing these dictators often ignited bloody civil wars. Nicaragua, Guatemala, and El Salvador have all experienced this. However, over time, Central American countries are establishing stable democracies.

That place that one pirate is from

The rich volcanic soils and moist, warm climate of the Caribbean helped grant the islands agricultural success. Rice, cacao, bananas, cotton, coconuts, and sugar set sail from the Caribbean heading to global markets. This farming has provided important jobs for the region's population. Trinidad and Tobago (a two-island nation) is the Caribbean's leading exporter of petroleum and natural gas.

Intro

A major part of Latin America is the sub-region that consists of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. This diverse landscape is home to tropical islands, snow-peaked mountains, active volcanoes, and sprawling plateaus. Great harbors welcome commerce and tourism alike. An extensive variety of plant and animal species inhabit the land. Home to some of the most advanced civilizations of the ancient world, this part of Latin America is as rich in culture as it is in beauty. The peoples of Latin America existed in isolation from the rest of the world for much of history, but European explorers, and later conquerors, arrived in the sixteenth century. They left their mark on every corner of Latin America. Life for native peoples of the Americas (mistakenly called "Indians" by Columbus) changed forever. Many of the people of this region are bound together by the religion and language of their former European colonizers, the Spanish. They have also been able to hold on to some of the old ways of their ancestors. Though bonds persist, the region's human geography has been changed dramatically by colonial rule and the African slave trade.

I like cruises o,o

All Caribbean nations have market economies. Under this system, citizens have more economic freedom and opportunities. Cuba is the exception because it uses a command economy where the government decides what is produced and how much is consumed. Since colonization, many Caribbean islands have focused on sugar production, and it has been difficult for these countries to find other ways to grow their economies. Nevertheless, falling sugar prices are forcing nations to diversify their economies. The country of Trinidad and Tobago has been moderately successful as an oil producer. Puerto Rico enjoys the most economic stability in the region, a result of its close relationship with the United States. Haiti has seen great difficulties developing its economy and is considered the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Many of the Caribbean Islands, with their white sand beaches and cool tropical breezes, have lured tourists from around the world. The tourist industry has brought added revenue to the region as cruise lines and hotels offer needed employment opportunities.

Arr matey

Before the arrival of the Europeans, the Arawaks and Caribs were sprawled about the islands of the Caribbean Sea. Today, only tiny pockets of these populations remain. Through the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, European powers used the islands as plantations. Enslaved Africans were brought to work the fertile volcanic soil for European profit. This is why most of today's Caribbean population has African ancestry. Other ethnic populations of the Caribbean include European descendants and mestizos. The most populous of the Caribbean nations is Cuba, with a population of around 14 million. Over the past half-century, thousands of Cubans, unhappy with the government, have made the 90-mile maritime trip north to settle in the United States. The Dominican Republic and Haiti also have similarly large populations. The tiny island of Barbados has the biggest population density. The fourth-most populated island of the Caribbean is the U.S. commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Large numbers of Puerto Ricans have used their status as U.S. citizens to immigrate to the United States, where they seek employment and educational opportunities.

Central America

Bordering Mexico to the south is Central America. This isthmus, or narrow strip of land, is made up of seven countries: Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. Rugged mountains span the length of Central America from Mexico to the region's southern neighbor, South America. Two tectonic plates meet along the Pacific coast, where more than 40 active volcanoes exist. Though considered a tropical region, Central America's climate varies greatly over short distances. The Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east influence climate. Also, the wide range of elevations affect the climate. Lowlands tend to be consistently hot and humid, and thick rainforests cover much of these lowland areas. Active volcanoes loom high above the lowlands of the Pacific Coastal Plain. Ash and lava from these volcanoes collect on the plains, making them fertile lands suitable for farming. While the Caribbean Sea coast receives rain throughout the year, the Pacific coast of Central America receives less rain. On the Caribbean coast, moisture is carried in by northeast winds. Lakes are uncommon on the Central American isthmus; however, Lake Nicaragua, situated near the border of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, is the second-largest lake in Latin America. Also notable is the country of Belize, which lays claim to the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere and attracts divers from around the world.

Guess what people! It's not over yet C:

By the early 1800s, New Spain was thriving, and Spain was receiving copious resources from this colony. Yet, leaders in the colony began to call for their native land, which they referred to as "Mexico" (from Mexica, the name of the Aztec people who once ruled the area), to pull away from Spain. The push for Mexican independence began to spread through the colony. Father Miguel Hidalgo led Native Americans and mestizos on a fight for freedom. Although Hidalgo was captured and executed by the Spanish government, the revolution he began lived on. In 1813, Hidalgo's supporters created a constitution declaring Mexico an independent country, though true sovereignty did not come for several more years. By 1821, after years of fighting, Spain was defeated, and Mexico was free from colonial rule. However, the peninsulares (people born in Spain but living in the New World) and the creoles (people born in the Caribbean or Latin America but who are of European, particularly Spanish, descent) were the ones in control. The Native Americans and mestizos had little power, opportunity, or wealth. To lure foreign settlers into the new country, the Mexican government offered large plots of cheap land in an area known as Spanish Texas. Settlers from the United States came and soon outnumbered the Mexicans. The settlers, aided by the U.S. government, took the land by force, and by 1836, they declared themselves an independent nation known as the Republic of Texas. Nine years later, after facing economic and social instability, Texas was annexed by the U.S. The Mexican American War soon followed as Mexico attempted to regain control of Texas. After a two-year war with the United States, Mexico not only failed to capture Texas, but it also lost all or parts of what is now California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, and Wyoming to the United States. In 1910, Mexico's poor Native American and growing mestizo populations revolted against wealthy landowners. There were 15 million people in Mexico at the time, and 10 million did not own any land. Mexico's poor farmers wanted rich landowners to break up their haciendas (large farms, sometimes more than 50,000 acres). The Mexican Revolution lasted from 1910 to 1920. By the end of the fighting, about 1 million Mexicans had died. Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata became heroes of a revolution that fought against unequal distribution of land and wealth. However, it was many more years before the haciendas began to be broken up and distributed among the poor.

I think these people (Cental Americans) had slaves so idk if I'm cool with them or nah?

Central America was also part of New Spain, except for British Honduras, which is now modern-day Belize. Spain carved out various colonies from the Central American region. A Spanish governor ruled each colony directly for the king. Native American societies that survived colonization often adopted Catholicism and learned Spanish. To maximize the profitability of these colonies, Spain and Britain used slave labor. European colonists enslaved Native Americans at first, but the colonies soon brought Africans to serve as slaves. The good farmland on the coasts was ideal for large plantations. The European rulers forced African slave laborers to harvest cash crops such as sugar, tobacco, coffee beans, and bananas on the lands of this region. Dangerous mining work was also left for African slaves. Copper and silver mines regularly caved in, with fatal results.

Economic Systems in Central America

Central American economies are developing, or not fully industrialized. Most of these countries have low life expectancies and low literacy rates. However, Costa Rica has a fairly stable economy, which makes it enticing for foreign investors. All countries of the isthmus have depended heavily on two main exports: coffee and bananas. Bananas are so important to the republics of Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama that these countries are known as "banana republics." Central America relies heavily on the purchasing power of the United States. Nevertheless, these nations are working to lessen their dependence on coffee and bananas. Tourism is one of the strongest industries in this region. To increase their wealth, Central American governments need to figure out how to diversify their economies. One huge boost to the region's economy is the Panama Canal. Canal operations place Panama at the crossroads of world trade and bring income to this small nation.

I'm pretty sure their culture is pirating

During colonial rule, many different European powers influenced the Caribbean. The result was the emergence of a wide variety of cultures. Each island has three basic elements that make up its culture: European, Native American, and African. French, English, Dutch, and Spanish are all spoken in the Caribbean. In some areas the languages of the Arawak and Carib have survived, as well. The main religion in the Caribbean is Catholicism. When Africans were forced aboard slave ships and taken to the plantations of the Caribbean, they brought their religious beliefs with them. In some cases, these African religions have survived the hardships of slavery and blended with Christianity. One example of this is the practice of Vodou in Haiti, which evolved from West African and Christian traditions. East and South Asians migrated to the Caribbean after the end of slavery. Sizable groups voluntarily came from China and India to fill the need for labor on sugar plantations. As a result of this Asian influence, many Caribbean recipes are a combination of traditional Native American, African, Indian, and Chinese ingredients. Music from Africa has also made its way into Caribbean culture. Elements of rock and roll from the United States have been mixed with African rhythms to create Jamaican reggae music. In Trinidad and Tobago, deserted oil drums littering the beaches have been transformed into steel drums. These steel drums, or pans, form the melodic percussion heard in calypso music throughout the Caribbean.

Natural resources of Mexico

European explorers discovered that some natives in the region possessed valuable caches of gold and silver. During the 16th century, word of Mexico's abundant stores of precious metals traveled across the Atlantic. This increased the desire of European governments to control the region. With more contact between Europe and the New World, natural resources flowed between the continents. This unintentional trade has been called the Columbian Exchange. The tradeoff was not always fair. Maize (corn) from Mexico quickly became a precious crop across Europe and Asia. Smallpox from Europe was an unfortunate result of contact between people of the Americas and Europe. Still, this relationship helped transform the world into the place we know today. Today, Mexico is one of the world's biggest exporters of silver. Other natural resources mined for export include lead, coal, zinc, graphite, sulfur, gold, iron, and copper. Mexico's gulf coast holds valuable natural gas and petroleum resources. Areas with rich soils produce cotton, sugar cane, tobacco, and wheat. Coffee and corn are grown in the mild climate at higher elevations.

The stuff Trump needs to learn AKA Mexican History

Few nations in the world have the distinction of being situated on the grounds of a great ancient civilization. Mexico lays claim to three: the Olmec, the Maya, and the Aztec, all of which once ruled over Mexico's highlands and toiled its fertile coastal plains. The oldest known advanced civilization in the Americas, the Olmec, dates back to 1500 BCE. It is considered the mother of the major civilizations that followed. All of these civilizations sculpted large stone figures and carved hieroglyph messages. They built temples and had great urban centers. The Olmec relied on agriculture, as did the Maya and Aztecs. Nutrient-rich land on Mexico's Gulf Coastal Plain yielded ample crops. Much to the dismay of historians, the record of this civilization seems to have come to a sudden stop around 400 BCE. Decoded hieroglyphs have not revealed clues to the mysterious disappearance of Mexico's first major civilization.

This is good to know, because I love taco bell

Food in Mexico is also based on mixture of cultures. Many dishes include beans, chili peppers, and corn flour tortillas handed down by indigenous cultures. Spanish influence is blended into many Mexican meals through the use of cheeses. After lunch, many Mexicans take a short nap called a siesta. This traditional practice comes from Spain, and it allows workers to avoid the hottest hours of the day. Siesta time is also observed throughout Central America. This is an example of how climate can affect culture. Although it is a European sport, soccer is quite popular in Mexico. Fútbol, as it is known throughout Latin America, has become one of the most popular sports in the region. Also, a dwindling part of Mexican culture holds on to Spain's love for bullfighting. Mexican culture can be seen in the art of the country. Colorful cotton garments are still crafted as they were in pre-colonial times. Pottery shows the indigenous and Spanish influences. Probably most noted are the works of Mexican painters. Mexico is famous for large, colorful murals. They often tell political and historical stories. These murals also pay respect to Aztec roots, and mythical stories of an ancient past live on through these works.

Central American

Guatemala has the largest population in Central America. El Salvador has the second highest population and the highest population density, although growth has been slowed by the flow of recent immigrants to the United States. The least populated country in Central America is Belize, and its population density is also the lowest in Central America. Central America is home to a variety of ethnic groups. Native Americans, Europeans, and Africans have each played a role in shaping the region's economic, political, and cultural identity. Native Americans were the first to inhabit the land. Their cultures, religions, and languages are the oldest in this part of the world. Other cultures have had significant, long-lasting impacts on indigenous ways of life. Some remaining populations of indigenous people have been able to hold on to the ways of their ancestors despite no longer being a majority in Central America. The majority of Central America's population is a mixture of Native American and European ancestry. Many people of this heritage identify as mestizo. Guatemala has Central America's largest Native American population. Over half of Guatemalans are descendants of the Maya. Costa Rica has the largest concentration of Europeans. Nearly 90% of its population can trace its ancestry directly to Spain. The largest concentrations of people with African ancestry live along the Caribbean coast of Central America.

Some important person

Hernándo Cortés, leader of 400 conquistadors, arrived with an intention to conquer and control the Aztecs. Cortés men began brutally killing the Aztecs. They used metal swords, guns, and cannons, and Aztec weapons were no match. Montezuma himself was taken prisoner. The Spaniards demanded that they be paid in gold, silver, and jewels. The Aztecs paid Cortés in gold and asked for the Spanish to leave their lands. However, Cortés killed Montezuma, and the Aztec empire, which was highly centralized, quickly fell to Spanish control. The Spaniards unknowingly brought another weapon with them: smallpox. The disease spread quickly because the Native Americans had no immunity to the virus. Disease was the leading cause of death among Native Americans. From 1500 to 1900, millions of indigenous Americans in Latin America were killed by European disease and brutality. The majority of survivors became Catholic. They learned the Spanish language of their conquerors. The Spaniards named the land New Spain, and the Native Americans worked under a system called encomienda. Under this system, conquistadors were given villages to rule. The conquistadors enslaved the natives and forced them to work the land and pay taxes.

I-n-d-e-p-e-n-d-e-n-t do you know what that mean?

In 1821, Central America declared itself independent of Spain. Using the United States as a model, Central America briefly became the Federal Republic of Central America. In only two decades, this union fell apart. The "states" of Central America became the countries we know today. In 1904 a major effort to build a canal through Central America began. Under the leadership of the United States, the canal project helped further open world trade. The 14,000-mile trip around South America from New York to San Francisco was cut down to 6,000 miles with the creation of the Panama Canal. Thousands of workers flocked to Panama to take part in the construction. Many of them were from the Caribbean and the southern United States. It is estimated that over 30,000 workers died, many from yellow fever, while building the canal.

Introduction

In the nearly two centuries since many countries in this region achieved independence from Europe, many have seen political unrest and civil war, dictatorships, and overthrown governments. Other countries have had more success making a peaceful transition as sovereign nations. In recent years, a broader move toward democratic governments has swept through the region with few exceptions. This lesson will provide you with a better understanding of the land, climate, and culture that make up this diverse region. The natural wealth, which at one time brought ruin and despair, may prove to be one thing that can bring the nations of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean to the ranks of those countries in the industrialized world.

What aspects of Latin American culture have most been influenced by the European colonization of the past?

Language and Religion | Cant touch this

I'm pretty sure this place had slaves cause they have no culture like some other group I know of

Like Mexico, the cultures across Central America are a mixture of Native American and Spanish. Most of the nations along the isthmus are Spanish-speaking. In Belize, a former colony of Great Britain, English is the official language. Though some people speak English regularly, many more claim Spanish or an indigenous language as their first language. Native American languages are spoken in parts of all Central American countries. The majority of these are Mayan languages.

WHAT MR. 45 NEEDS TO LEARN ABOUT | This is also called Mexican culture

Mexican culture has been influenced greatly by its history. The 300 years of Spanish colonial rule has had a lasting effect on Mexico's culture. Most people throughout Mexico speak Spanish, which is the country's official language. A small percentage of Mexicans do not use Spanish as their primary language. They speak an Aztec language called Nahuatl. Mexico is home to the second largest population of Catholics in the world, as 92% of Mexicans claim to follow this denomination of Christianity. This is a direct result of Spain's conquest of Mexico. Aspects of indigenous religions are also still present. The Day of the Dead comes from the Aztec religion. Today, this ancient celebration continues, but it has been combined with the Catholic holiday All Saints Day. The blending of religions is called syncretism. Family is an important part of Mexican culture. It is common for several generations to live under one roof. In this way, traditions and morals are passed from one generation to the next. These family units are often centered on the Catholic church. In recent years, Protestant denominations have seen small but growing support. Also, ancient spiritual beliefs of the Maya still linger in the hearts and minds of some people in the region.

The impact of globalization in Mexico

Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes once said about globalization in Latin America, "The global economy is a lot like Mt. Everest—impossible to move and therefore here to stay. The question is how to climb it." With three-fourths of Mexico's population now living in urban areas, many fear traditional lifestyles are beginning to fade. Some welcome increased exposure to foreign cultures. Others bristle at the thought of losing elements of their Mexican culture. Mexican television networks are experiencing rapid growth. Cable and satellite networks make it possible for Mexican programming to reach the entire world. Mexico's admission into NAFTA has further opened the door to globalization and economic exchange. Expanding use of the Internet in the region is also bringing this part of Latin America into the world community. Entering the 21st century, Mexico has become one of the dominant economic forces in the Western Hemisphere. Globalization has brought international corporations, factories, and consumer goods.

Population Patterns in the Border wall place

Mexico City is one of the most populated cities in the world, and it is the largest city in Latin America. A fifth of Mexico's population currently lives in or around this urban center, located on the central plateau. Mexico City is the political, economic, and cultural center of the entire country. As is true of other large cities, a minority of Mexico City's residents are wealthy. There is a growing middle class, yet most city residents still live in poverty. Many Mexicans have moved to the capital from rural farms in search of work and educational opportunities. As a result, the city's population is rising sharply. One concern with this rapid growth is the availability of clean drinking water. Also, because the Sierra Madres surround the city, a thick layer of smog hangs over the enormous urban sprawl. The Mexican government has been working hard to improve this pollution problem, but there is still much work to be done.

Economic Systems in Mexico

Mexico has a free market economy. Private citizens have the right to start their own businesses and make their own profits. Although Mexico is becoming more industrialized, about a quarter of the population farms for a living. Agriculture is therefore an important force in the Mexican economy. More citizens have left farms as the government has actively encouraged private business. Government loans have enabled people to start their own businesses. A stronger middle class is emerging. To further private economic growth, the government sold steel companies and copper and silver mines to private companies. The country's only oil company, PEMEX, remains under government control. Its biggest customer is the United States. Mexico has created new partnerships in trade. It is the only country in Latin America to join the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), signed in 1992. The government has welcomed many foreign-owned factories. These factories are most often set up along the border with the U.S. and are intended to discourage Mexicans from migrating to the United States. While the pay is low by U.S. standards, manufacturing jobs are available. These companies take advantage of lower taxes and a cheap labor supply. Also, tourism is a key element of the Mexican economy. Thousands visit Mexico's ancient ruins and sandy beaches annually.

Mexico

Mexico is the northernmost part of Latin America. The southern United States borders Mexico. About half of the natural boundary between these countries is the Rio Grande River. It flows down from the melting snows of the Rocky Mountains, ultimately spilling into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Much of Mexico sits high above sea level. The geography of the country is dominated by the Sierra Madre mountain ranges, which means "Mother Ranges." On the western coast, the Sierra Madre Occidental range towers over the Gulf of California and the Pacific Ocean. Several peaks reach over 10,000 feet above sea level. Located on the eastern coast is the Sierra Madre Oriental. Some peaks exceed 18,000 feet. In the southern portion of Mexico, leading into Central America, is the Sierra Madre Del Sur. Sandwiched between the Sierra Madres is the central plateau, also known as the Mexican Plateau. The largest of Mexico's regions, the central plateau is also the most geologically unstable. It is the meeting place of four major continental plates: the Cocos Plate, the North American Plate, the Caribbean Plate, and the Pacific Plate. Throughout history, reminders of this precarious fact have had deadly results. Perhaps most notable was the 1985 Mexico City earthquake, which caused 9,000 deaths, 30,000 injuries, and $10 billion in damages in three minutes.

In what present-day country was the city of Tenochtitlan located?

Mexico | Swish Swish Bish

Some dude named Fidel Castro was apart of this?

Most independent Caribbean islands are democracies with multi-party or two-party systems. Although some nations, such as Haiti, have seen strict dictatorships in the recent past, democracy is becoming a stabilizing force in the region. A major exception is the communist nation of Cuba. Fidel Castro took power in 1959 and remained there for close to five decades. He was considered a president by his supporters and a dictator by his opposition. Despite heavy criticisms and a trade embargo imposed by the United States, Castro refused to step down until health issues forced him to do so in early 2008.

Moving on the pirate island aka (The Caribbean)

Similar to Central America, European powers colonized the Caribbean islands. The fertile volcanic soils attracted a wider variety of European interests. Britain, Spain, the Netherlands, France, and Denmark all claimed islands and used them to produce cash crops. European powers acquired vast resources from their Caribbean plantations, as slave labor became the engine that drove production on these islands. The French island of St. Domingue was France's largest sugar producer. Inspired by the French Revolution, in 1790 the Africans working the sugar crop rejected their enslavement. They rose up against their slave masters as well as the French army. The struggle lasted for 13 years. It became known as the Haitian Revolution. The rebellious slaves earned victory over France and claimed independence, though the country was forced to pay $90 million to France in compensation. In 1804 the island, renamed Haiti, became the first independent nation in the Latin American and Caribbean regions. The U.S. and most of Europe refused to recognize or trade with Haiti for more than 50 years. Over the next century and a half, people of the Caribbean won their freedom sporadically. Some still maintain a colonial relationship with Europe today. The British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, and the Cayman Islands remain colonies of the United Kingdom. Martinique and Guadeloupe are considered "overseas departments" of France. Puerto Rico is a United States commonwealth, and the U.S. Virgin Islands is a United States territory.

Wow this goes on forver

The Aztec civilization began its ascent around 1200 CE. Tenochtitlan, located in modern-day Mexico, was the Aztec capital, and at its peak one of the largest cities in the world. By the early 1400s, the city had become the heart of the Aztec empire. With no access to major rivers, the Aztecs used Lake Texcoco to support this large urban center. On its waters, they built large floating gardens. These chinampas were narrow islands built for the sole purpose of crop production. The main crop of the Aztecs was maize. From this, they made corn flour tortillas. The Aztecs also grew beans, peppers, avocados, cacao, tomatoes, squash, and cotton. The rest of the Aztec empire was made up of smaller settlements dotting the central plateau around the island capital. In the year 1519, according to the Aztec prophets, Quetzalcoatl (the feathered snake god) was to return. Travelers from a great distance did arrive that year. The visitors were not Aztec gods—they were Europeans. On a mission to find riches, the Spaniards also intended to convert indigenous people to the Catholic faith. Believing the travelers to be gods, King Montezuma II honored his guests with gifts. It did not take long, however, for Montezuma and the Aztecs to realize that the Europeans were not benevolent visitors.

Which historical event inspired the Haitian Revolution?

The French Revolution | Another one in the basket

The Caribbean

The Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles, and the Bahamas make up the island sections of the Caribbean. Due to the effects of various natural forces over time, these islands consist of a wide range of physical geography. For instance, volcanic activity caused the formation of the region's mountainous islands. Volcanic islands such as these have nutrient-rich soils that are excellent for farming. Coral formed the Caribbean's flatter islands. Coral islands such as these feature soils with deficient farming characteristics. Surrounded by water, the climate of the islands in the Caribbean is mainly determined by the ocean. Winds carry cool ocean moisture onshore, calming the effects of intense tropical sunlight. The result is an average year-round temperature of 80° Fahrenheit, typically with high humidity.

More History Trump should study

The Maya civilization spanned from southern Mexico and the tip of the Yucatán peninsula into Central America. The Maya used knowledge from the Olmec to build an advanced civilization. Mayan city-states in Central America started growing around 250 CE. A strong knowledge of mathematics made it possible for the Maya to build pyramids that rival those of Egypt in precision and size. Built deep within tropical forests, some temples helped in the observation of the Sun, Moon, and stars. With such tools, Mayan scholars produced accurate calendars. For instance, at the Mayan Temple of Kukulkan, the sun's shadow creates an illusion of a snake slithering down the stone steps. Amazingly, this occurs only during the September and March equinoxes. The Maya depended on their advanced knowledge of agriculture for survival. The bulk of Mayan crop production took place on what is now Mexico's eastern gulf coast, where rains were more predictable. Like the Olmec, the record of the Maya civilization comes mysteriously to an end. Around 900 CE, the Maya abandoned many of their large city centers and scattered to smaller towns throughout the region. The descendants of the Maya currently live throughout southern Mexico and Central America.

The stuff trump cares about

The border between the United States and Mexico is an issue of great debate. With the door to trade open so widely, it is increasingly difficult to monitor illegal immigration and drug traffic. Many Mexican workers are drawn to the United States, looking for better work and education opportunities. Foreign companies, many from the U.S., are attempting to save costs by employing workers at low rates. These companies have built factories in Mexico along the border with the U.S. Some argue that the jobs these factories provide are valuable. Critics maintain that the low wages and poor working conditions are unfair. The Mexican economy has seen growth from these factories, but the resulting pollution demonstrates the drawbacks of globalization. Globalization and the omnipresent tourist industry in the region has had dramatic effects. Although many of these nations depend on tourism for revenue, tourism has impacted the cultures of these nations. Many of the developed coastal towns and cities in this region revolve around the continual flow of international tourists. However, the focus placed on tourists can cause local governments to overlook the problems affecting local populations, including rampant poverty, poor living conditions, and harmful pollution.

Summary | AKA Soooo all in all

The regions of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean are rich in history and culture. Some of the most advanced and oldest civilizations of the Western Hemisphere existed here. As with much of North and South America, these regions dealt with centuries of colonial rule by European powers. After claiming independence, many of the nations in this region faced years of instability, conflict, and turmoil. It has only been in recent decades that many of these nations have been able to overcome some of these issues. Surrounded by a warm and moist climate, the nations within these regions enjoy productive farming and a strong tourist industry. The economies of these nations continue to improve. However, as with any developing nation, many of the countries here continually face poverty, pollution, and exploitation

More of the place Trump hates

Though much of Mexico's landscape sits far above sea level, there are parts that do not. Across the country, the eastern Gulf Coastal Plain and the Yucatán Peninsula are largely flat areas. These coastlines are mainly narrow strips of plains. They contain sandy beaches and deep harbors. The largest of these low-lying regions is the Yucatán Peninsula. This area is home to the city of Cancún, which is a well-known vacation destination for international tourists. The elevation of Mexico has a profound effect on its climate. Although much of Mexico is located in the tropics, elevation keeps temperatures moderate throughout the central plateau. The Sierra Madres act as a buffer against ocean rains. This keeps much of the central plateau free of precipitation most of the year. Further south, moisture makes its way through mountain gaps. The increased rainfall creates good farmland. The northern part of the Pacific coast is hotter because of its low elevation; however, irrigation has transformed this naturally arid landscape into some of Mexico's most arable land.

I'm pretty sure we're on the same topic?

Throughout Mexico's history, the central plateau has accommodated large populations. The arrival of Europeans in the 16th century did little to change this fact. Conquistadors preferred to settle in the populated areas of the central plateau. From there they could more easily control the indigenous population for their own economic gain. Today, Mexico's overall population is growing, though not as fast as it has in recent history. This slowdown in growth is in part due to a steady flow of Mexican immigrants in search of jobs into the United States. The Mexican population within the borders of the United States continues to increase at a much sharper rate than that of Mexico itself. Tourism has transformed sleepy towns on Mexico's Pacific coast like Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta into bustling cities. But the Yucatán, Mexico's largest area of flat coastal plain, remains thinly populated even as the tourism industry in this area booms.