FREE Latin America Colonization Essay (original) (raw)

Since the discovery of the New World in 1492, each country has gone through some level of colonization by a European power and transition to its current state. During this period the regions have seen political, social, religious and economic transformations of various degrees. Nevertheless, many scholars argue that regardless of the changes encountered, many are merely on the surface with little to no meaningful change instilled. A Variety of leaders have attempted to improve their country by both conservative and liberal means. Despite these attempts, though, the underlying foundation of colonial ideals remains. The colonial period began with the discovery of Hispanola by Christopher Columbus in 1492 and most Latin American countries gained their independence in the nineteenth century. The Iberian countries dominated the colonization of Latin America and the Caribbean with small colonies established by the French, English and Dutch. Regardless of the nationality of the colonizers, almost all of the colonies shared basic characteristics, which have persevered over time in some way or another. It is possible to organize the traits of these colonies into four distinct categories: economic development, religious and social mixing, racial and ethnic mixing and political structures. There were two basic industries found in the New World that shaped their economies: agriculture and mining. Both of these required tremendous labor input to match the demand of continental Europe. Goods such as sugar, cotton, coffee, indigo, tobacco, silver and copper were produced and exported in great quantities. At a very early point in the development of the colonies it was understood that the European settlers weren't willing to do the physical labor themselves; instead African slaves were brought to the New World in order to work on the plantations. When the situation arose that African slaves didn't adapt to the conditions properly, Native Indians were forced to labor.

1. Latin American Independence

Colonies that are no exception to this are the Latin America colonies. During the Age of colonization (1492- 1600), Europeans imposed many things on the Latin American territory that have had a long and devastating effect on the indigenous people. ... The enlightment strongly changed the ideas of people in Europe, America, and Latin America. ... Other Latin American uprising occurred with Simon Bolivar, who led the South American independence. ... Latin American still continues to move toward modernization but it has been long and tough road filled with tension, turmoil, and struggles to regai...

2. Latin america

LATIN AMERICAN ISSUES IN CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE MIDTREM EXAM 2 1. ... The colonial period, to an affect, is the turning point of Latin America. ... WHAT ARE THE "CONTINUITIES" PRESENT IN THE POPULATIONS OF LATIN AMERICA? ... When the Spaniards arrive in Latin America, they create a new population. ... Pre-Columbian cities were used to being the center of the empire, once the colonization begins, that center is now Europe. ...

3. "Ode to the Americas- Analysis

Years of Latin American oppression by power-greedy and money-hungry imperialist countries prompted the poet Pablo Neruda to write "Ode to the Americas."" Historically, the people of South and Central America have suffered greatly over the past five hundred years of European (and later American) conquering and colonization. ... The first stanza of the ode revels Latin America's once peaceful and beautiful past. ... (Pennsylvania was once a colony of England; now, ironically, it colonizes other countries.) ... Thus, in both a figurative and literal sense, imperialism has destroyed Lati...

4. A Brief History of Latin America

The effects of this empire can be still seen today in those areas of Latin America and the Caribbean that they colonized in the 1500's. ... Burkholder, author of Colonial Latin America, states, "Probably more Indians died in the epidemic than from wounds received in battle" (Burkholder et al. 2012). ... The Spanish colonized the most of Latin America whereas the Portuguese colonized the territory that is now present day Brazil. ... In general, the Portuguese also colonized much slower than the Spanish which could possibly be the reason as to why they did not occupy as much of th...

5. Monroe Doctrine and History of its influences

Noncolonization formally declared that the Americas were no longer open for colonization. ... During his term, a wave of patriotism and colonization swept the nation. ... The end of the Spanish - American war made Americans realize the great need for a canal in Latin America. ... However, this policy was not often used to resolve conflicts between Europe and Latin America, but rather justified American intervention in Latin American affairs for its own interests. ... He tried many times to use the power of finances to control Latin American nations. ...

6. Imperialism

Imperialism occurred throughout Africa, china, Latin America, and India. Cultural beliefs were a large impact of the imperialism of India and Latin America. ... There were three important reasons that imperialism occurred in Latin America, and how it affected the culture. ... The Spanish American War was a 5-month war dealing with Cuba. The United States won the war and with it freedom for Cuba, two navel bases in Cuba, islands of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines, and a great influence in Latin America. ...

7. Colombian Transculturation:

Latin Americans, therefore, must live by their own standards. ... However, Latin Americans did not realize that the discovery of Latin America had also invented a new Latin American individual. ... Latin Americans are no longer Europeans, nor are they Indian or Black. ... The search for identity that started during the colonization has more recently shifted to the United States. Latin Americans have lately found a new role model. ...

8. Diversity

America has always been viewed as the country of diversity. When you think of diversity in America, you would think of all the people of different races, cultures & religions, but the one thing that also makes America diverse is the food. ... Before the colonization of America, Native American groups had, what would be today, a very healthy diet. ... When the Spanish colonized Latin America, they brought along some of their foods and that were combine with the foods already at the colonies. ... During the 1500s when the Europeans nations started colonizing America, they brought over a more...

9. Culture and the American Dream

The majority of Americans share similar dreams and traditions. ... Nearly every region of the world has influenced American culture, as it is a country of immigrants, most notably the English who colonized the country beginning in the early 1600s. U.S. culture has also been shaped by the cultures of Native Americans, Latin Americans, Africans and Asians.... That's only two things that make Americans upset, but they're many more obstacles and criticism that Americans go through every day. ... Discrimination is a huge problem in the United States of America. ...

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