Central America and the Caribbean

What is a city-state?

A city state is a form of community the Mayans used to form a city which acts as an independent state.

What is an isthmus?

An isthmus is a strip of land with water on both sides that connects two larger bodies of land.

Explain biodiversity (be able to recognize an example of it)

Biodiversity is a variety of living things. For example, most Caribbean islands are surrounded by coral reefs. These coral reefs are home to a wide variety of tropical fish, plants, plankton, and other marine life.

Why did American investors gain economic influence in the Caribbean?

Caribbean countries looked to the United State's investors to help build their economies. The U.S. took control of industries and took over land. They were able to build enormous plantations.

What is "Carnival" in Central America and the Caribbean?

Carnival is a religious festival celebrated in late winter. It is primarily observed by Roman-Catholics.

What are the environmental effects caused by cattle ranching?

Cattle ranching can cause environmental problems such as erosion, which is the removal of soil by wind or water.

What are the effects of deforestation?

Deforestation is the clearing of a large number of trees. When no trees are present, soil erodes and cannot absorb moisture. This causes land to become very difficult to farm on. Deforestation also destroys many animal's homes.

What are the environmental effects caused by deforestation?

Deforestation is the clearing of a large number of trees. When no trees are present, soil erodes and cannot absorb moisture. This causes land to become very difficult to farm on. Deforestation also destroys many animal's homes.

What is the purpose of ecotourism?

Ecotourism is a type of tourism that focuses on the environment and seeks to minimize environmental impact. This helps the environment retain it's natural beauty and protects many plants and animals.

How has Foreign Investment affected Central America and the Caribbean?

Foreign investment helped Caribbean countries build up their economy and industry. Foreign investors, such as the U.S., helped rebuild and take control of industries, and helped build factories and plantations.

What was Haiti able to do when it gained its independence?

Haiti was able to establish constitutional republics, export goods and earn money for them, and trade with other countries.

What were the Mayans known for developing?

Mayans are known for developing a highly accurate calendar and a system of writing.

Why have people migrated to North America and Europe in search of work?

People who lived in the Caribbean often migrate to America and Europe because of the low paying jobs in Central America, which is the cause of the widespread poverty there as well.

Explain Santeria

Santeria is a religion that combines both Catholic and West African beliefs.

What islands rely on Tourism?

The Bahamas and Jamaica have two of the region's largest tourist based economies. Since tourism makes up such a large part of their economy, they rely on the money tourists spend on various goods and events to pay their workers and increase their industry.

What was the main purpose of the Encomienda system?

The Encomienda System was used by the Spanish which stated that they could tax the Natives that live there and had the Natives work for them in exchange for education in Christianity.

What causes hurricanes to form in Central America and the Caribbean?

The hurricanes form when warm east winds, or trade winds, form powerful rainstorms over the Atlantic Ocean.

How has the Encomienda System affected Central America and the Caribbean?

The local native people who lived there were forced to work for the Spanish and pay them their taxes. This made for a difficult and constricted life. In turn, though, they were able to receive education of Christianity.

How has Slavery affected Central America and the Caribbean?

The many slaves who worked for Europeans were able to produce goods such as sugar cane, tobacco, and molasses that could be traded between Europe, the Caribbean, and Africa.

What are the environmental effects caused by tourism?

The presence of the many tourists increases the population density, which can make life difficult for locals. The increase in population also increases the demand for crops, water, and energy. These resources can face shortages because of this.

In what ways are the economies of Central America and the Caribbean independent and interdependent?

Their economies are independent because they produce many goods such as bananas, coffee, and sugar. They also have a large tourism industry. But, they are also interdependent on foreign investors and the many tourists that visit there. The countries would become even more poverty stricken without the tourists that visit there.

What do the land-reform laws do?

These laws take some land from wealthy and powerful land owners and distribute it amongst poor farmers.