Latin American History – 1791 to Present

Unit 1 – Revolution and Independence (1791-1825)

Unit 2 – Nation Building Challenges (1825-1850)

Unit 3 – Modernization and Positivism (1850-1880)

Unit 4 – U.S. Interventionism in Latin America (1880-1930)

Unit 5 – Mass Politics and Populism in Latin America

Unit 6 – Cuban Revolution & Cold War: Latin America

Unit 7 – Military Dictatorships in Latin America

Unit 8 – Democratization and Neoliberalism (1980s-2000s)

Unit 9 – Indigenous Rights and Social Movements (1990s+)

Unit 10 – Inequality, Crime, and Environment in Latin America

Unit 11 – Latin America: Culture, Literature & Arts

Unit 12 – Latin America: Global Migration and Trade

## What do you learn in Latin America, 1791-Present

You'll explore the major political, social, and economic developments in Latin America from the Haitian Revolution to today. The course covers independence movements, nation-building, modernization, revolutions, dictatorships, and democratization. You'll also dive into themes like race, gender, class, and cultural identity across different Latin American countries.

## Is Latin America, 1791-Present hard?

It's not a walk in the park, but it's not impossible either. The course covers a lot of ground, so there's a fair amount of reading and information to absorb. The trickiest part is keeping track of all the different countries and their unique histories. But if you're into history and can handle some dense readings, you'll be fine.

## Tips for taking Latin America, 1791-Present in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Make a timeline of major events for each country to keep things straight
3. Focus on understanding broader themes rather than memorizing every detail
4. Watch "The Motorcycle Diaries" for a glimpse into 1950s Latin America
5. Read Eduardo Galeano's "Open Veins of Latin America" for a critical perspective
6. Form a study group to discuss readings and share notes
7. Use maps to visualize geographical changes over time

## Common pre-requisites for Latin America, 1791-Present

1. World History: Covers major global events and trends from ancient civilizations to the present day. Provides a solid foundation for understanding Latin America in a broader context.

2. Introduction to Latin American Studies: Offers an overview of Latin American culture, geography, and history. Introduces key concepts and issues that will be explored in more depth in the 1791-Present course.

## Classes similar to Latin America, 1791-Present

1. Caribbean History: Explores the unique historical development of Caribbean nations and their relationships with colonial powers. Covers topics like slavery, independence movements, and cultural identity.

2. Modern Latin American Literature: Examines major literary works and movements in Latin America from the 19th century to the present. Provides insight into cultural and social changes through the lens of literature.

3. U.S.-Latin American Relations: Analyzes the complex political, economic, and cultural interactions between the United States and Latin American countries. Covers topics like the Monroe Doctrine, Cold War interventions, and contemporary issues.

4. Indigenous Peoples of Latin America: Focuses on the history, culture, and contemporary challenges of indigenous populations in Latin America. Explores themes of resistance, cultural preservation, and political movements.

## Majors related to Latin America, 1791-Present

1. Latin American Studies: Offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the region's history, politics, culture, and society. Students gain a comprehensive knowledge of Latin America's past and present.

2. International Relations: Focuses on global politics, diplomacy, and economic interactions between nations. Latin American history plays a significant role in understanding the region's place in world affairs.

3. History: Provides a broad understanding of human societies and their development over time. Latin American history is a crucial component of global historical narratives.

4. Anthropology: Examines human cultures, societies, and behaviors across time and space. Latin American anthropology offers insights into the region's diverse indigenous and colonial heritage.

## What can you do with a degree in Latin America, 1791-Present?

1. Foreign Service Officer: Works in embassies or consulates representing their country's interests abroad. Requires deep knowledge of Latin American history, culture, and current affairs.

2. International Development Specialist: Designs and implements programs to improve economic and social conditions in developing countries. Understanding Latin America's historical challenges is crucial for effective development work in the region.

3. Museum Curator: Manages collections and creates exhibitions related to Latin American history and culture. Requires expertise in the region's art, artifacts, and historical narratives.

4. Academic Researcher: Conducts in-depth studies on various aspects of Latin American history and society. Contributes to the academic understanding of the region through publications and teaching.

## Latin America, 1791-Present FAQs

1. How much reading is involved in this course? Expect to do a fair amount of reading, including primary sources and academic articles. It's manageable if you stay on top of it and don't leave everything for the last minute.

2. Are there any field trips or guest speakers? Some professors organize visits to local museums or invite Latin American scholars to give talks. These can be great opportunities to deepen your understanding of the material.

3. Do I need to know Spanish or Portuguese? While it's not usually required, knowing some Spanish or Portuguese can be helpful for reading primary sources. Most materials will be available in English translation.

History

Latin American Studies

1.4 The Role of Creole Elites and Popular Participation

1.3 Brazil's Path to Independence

1.1 The Haitian Revolution and its Impact

1.2 Independence Movements in Spanish America

2.3 Social Hierarchies and Race Relations

2.4 The Formation of National Identities

2.2 Economic Challenges and Foreign Debt

2.1 Political Instability and Caudillismo

3.1 Liberal Reforms and Their Consequences

3.2 The Export Economy and Foreign Investment

3.3 Positivism and Its Influence on Latin American Thought

3.4 Urbanization and Social Changes

4.1 The Spanish-American War and Its Aftermath

4.2 U.S. Economic and Military Interventions

4.4 Latin American Responses to U.S. Hegemony

4.3 The Panama Canal and Its Geopolitical Significance

5.1 The Mexican Revolution and Its Legacy

5.2 Populist Leaders and Their Policies

5.3 Import Substitution Industrialization

5.4 Labor Movements and Social Reforms

6.1 The Cuban Revolution: Causes and Consequences

6.3 Revolutionary Movements in Latin America

6.4 The Alliance for Progress and U.S. Counter-insurgency

6.2 U.S.-Cuba Relations and the Cold War Context

7.1 The Rise of Military Regimes

7.2 Human Rights Violations and State Terrorism

7.3 Economic Policies of the Military Governments

7.4 Resistance and Opposition Movements

8.1 Transitions to Democracy

8.3 The Washington Consensus and Its Impact

8.4 Social Consequences of Neoliberal Policies

8.2 The Debt Crisis and Structural Adjustment Programs

9.1 The Emergence of Indigenous Movements

9.4 Environmental and Land Rights Activism

9.2 The Pink Tide and Left-wing Governments

9.3 Women's Movements and Gender Politics

10.1 Persistent Inequality and Poverty

10.2 Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime

10.4 Urbanization and Urban Violence

10.3 Environmental Degradation and Climate Change

11.1 Latin American Literature and Magic Realism

11.2 Visual Arts and Popular Culture

11.3 Music and Dance Traditions

11.4 Cinema and Media in Latin America

12.1 Migration Patterns and Transnational Communities

12.2 Regional Integration and Trade Agreements

12.3 Latin America's Relations with the United States

12.4 Emerging Relations with China and Other Global Powers

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

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