History 307 – History of Latin America – August 27, 2003

 

AMERICA BEFORE THE EUROPEANS

 

 

1. Note that Latin America has two parts: (1) “Latin,” referring specifically to Spain & Portugal, and (2) “America,” the Italian name given to the “New World.” Chasteen begins by insisting that the “keys” to understanding the birth of Latin-America are – what?

 

2. Chasteen begins by pointing out just how complicated Latin America is.  You can say “this” about Latin America, but then you have to say “that” … Make a little chart.  In very general terms, what does Chasteen say about Latin America?

 

3. How long was Latin America part of a colonial empire? When (roughly) did the Latin American states become free?  Chasteen says that after they became free, two major “-isms” dominated debate;  what where they?

 

4. Talking about the culture of Latin America is very difficult.  Some writers think that culture is in some way fixed;  “latins,” for instance have very specific attitudes, behaviors, values, etc.  What does Chasteen say?

 

5. Look carefully at Chasteen’s statistics.  Make a list of the 5-6 key facts which the data tells us.

 

6. Look carefully at the first seven documents in Keen’s Chapter 1.  They provide you with some very quick snapshots of Indian life before the European conquest.  Make a list: write down at least ONE important think you learned from each document. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What the numbers say:

 

 

Area	Population	Total GDP	GDP/person	Life expectancy	Literacy
5TOP THREE                                                                           6BOTTOM THREE

 

 

 

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