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 big family reunion where everyone speaks different dialects of the same language group. Just like at a family reunion where you might have cousins who speak English with different accents or slang terms, in Latin America you'll find countries that all speak languages derived from Latin but with their own unique accents and words.
Related terms
Iberian Peninsula: This is the southwestern tip of Europe, comprising Spain and Portugal. These two nations were responsible for colonizing much of Latin America.
Creole: In the context of colonial Latin America, this term refers to people born in the Americas but descended from European ancestry. They often held high social status during colonial times.
Monroe Doctrine: A policy declared by President James Monroe stating that any intervention by external powers in politics of the Americas is a potentially hostile act against the US.
"Latin America" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Additional resources (1)
Practice Questions (10)
Who were most likely at the bottom of society under Spain's colonial caste system in Latin America?
How did Spain's colonial caste system impact future racial relations in Latin America post-independence?
Which principle remained consistent in American policy regarding Latin America throughout the early-to-mid-20th century?
How did President Teddy Roosevelt’s Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine impact Latin America?
What if William Howard Taft’s “Dollar Diplomacy” had not been pursued in Latin America and East Asia?
Which Secretary of State is credited with establishing a 'Good Neighbor' policy towards Latin America?
What economic policy led to increased U.S. presence in Latin America during the early 20th century?
What was the main reason for U.S intervention in Latin America during the early 20th century?
Why was there a surge in immigration from Latin America and Asia during this transition period?
Which event marked a significant setback for Reagan's foreign policy efforts in Latin America?
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