1. Modern Latin America Hannah DeWitt

2. Britain and Latin America When Latin America gained freedom from Spain, they were certain that Britain would play a big role. The thirty-three nations of Latin America are culturally rich and proud of their nations. They are diverse and unique. The British supported Latin America in exchange for trade opportunities. Unfortunately, the new countries did not thrive and England lost a lot of money. Merchants in Latin America were ruined and mining companies collapsed. Some countries survived better than others and were able to continue trade with England. The British struggled to help Latin America get back up on It’s feet and ties were made even stronger. Even through the initial struggles, England invested heavily in economic relations with Latin America. Things went well until the early 20th century. By mid-century, WWI had allowed the U.S. to gain power away. WWII reversed the roles and put Britain into debt with Latin America. Even with assistance, the countries of Latin America struggled to gain stability economically or politically.

3. Latin America’s Wars The wars in Latin America were mostly a power struggle. Many reasons existed for the various wars but all were fought for some kind of power. Haiti fought deadly race wars between the black, white, and mixed populations. The black population eventually gained power. Independence wars plagued many countries who were frustrated with the status quo. The American and Spanish revolutions sparked numerous copycat revolts in Latin America. Some of these proved successful while many failed. Boundary disputes and trying to reclaim or claim land also created conflict for countries in Latin America Mexico especially resented the land lost to the United States. Smaller countries were unsure whether to become independent or not in the late 1700s. Larger, commercial nations entered the conflicts to protect their assets. Religion was another issue that the nations considered worth fighting for. Many countries included religious convictions in their fights for other causes such as independence. The age-old fights for money and valuable resources, naturally, played a part as well. All of these wars were vital in shaping the make-up of Latin America.

4. Argentina Argentina took a long ride to democracy. Colonel Peron came to power and started changes in 1944. He used the military to help workers. He embraced workers and gave them opportunities and rights. This, however, defined classes stronger. The rich and landowners were left out of Peron’s focus. They were upset and revolted against him. The military eventually arrested him and forced him to step down. Infuriated, the workers gathered and rioted to have him release and he was voted into presidency soon after.

5. Brazil Capital Sins Brazil has always struggled with extreme classes. The poor live in complete poverty and the rich live very well. Governments constantly told the people to wait until the country grew. They promised that the poor would get their fair share. Unfortunately, these promises were not met. The poor lived without while waiting for the government to help them. In 1980, Brazilians demonstrated, begging for a democracy over the authoritarianism. Unfortunately, inflation rose and the civilian’s government did not do well. The fear of losing popularity kept many from acting. The next president in 1989 did not succeed either and the social gap widened. More recently, democracy is hoped to improve conditions in Brazil.

6. Mexico The Second World Mexico is divided into four different worlds. Near the United States of America, pesos and dollars are both used easily. The central area flourished and supports the rest of the country. Then there is the poor, slum-filled, isthmus region. The Yucatan area is extremely poor and barely advancing. Mexico is now dealing with some of the worse gangs, drug cartels, criminal, and violent behavior in its history. Tourism has collapsed in the very lovely country due to the dangers. Immigrants flock to America illegally and drugs bleed over the border. Many immigrants believe that part of the U.S. should belong to them anyway because of their historical rights to some of the territories.

7. Columbia The Second World The geological build of Columbia keeps in divided into three parts by mountain ranges. 60 percent of the population lives in terrible poverty. Years of civil wars have put a huge percentage of the population into slum life. Columbia is also the drug capital of the world. The drugs circulate Latin America and the U.S. The government has little control of this or of the other crimes that exist. Fear plagues the people of Colombia because of the violence and danger in the streets. However, control is slowly coming. For a hundred years democracy has functioned and the war against drugs is starting to progress slowly though cartel tolerance is high. As the country progresses, the war continues. The only way to grow will be international relationships within Latin America. Columbia will need the support of neighbors.

8. Venezuela The Second World Venezuela was once a strong, successful, beautiful country. It has maintained the beauty but not the success. The government is nearly non-existant on the streets. The people in the government live lavishly while water is more expensive than gas for citizens. The president, Chavez, has effectively slowed the economy and made himself rich. He spends the government funds on vacations and buying elections instead of helping his people. Chavez is also trying to use Venezuela’s oil supply to manipulate power nations such as the U.S., China, and much of Europe.

9. Chile The Second World Chile separates itself from its neighboring nations but makes a point to gain foreign allies from across the globe. Chile’s economy is growing and slowly strengthening. German immigrants in the last century have boosted the work ethic in the country while bring modernization. Education and technology reforms have helped Chile from slipping into the destitution that many of its neighbors struggle with. Joining the global market and enhancing trade has created millions of jobs for Chile. Chile’s success should be examined by the entire continent as a good model.

10. Soccer Ronaldo Luis Nazário de Lima is otherwise known as Ronaldo Brazil. He has become one of the most well-known men in all of Brazil. This is because he is one of the most famous soccer, or futbol, player in Brazil. His career made him a legand in the most popular sport in all of Latin America. He was the top scorer in his last World Cup Tournemant in 2002. He now is retired and owns an A-1 futbol team.

11. Salma Hayek According to wikipedia, Salma Hayek is a Mexican-born actress who gained her fame in Mexico before becoming extremely popular in Hollywood. She has done extremely well and acted with many well-known celebrities. She is extremely famous in both Latin America and the United States. In fact, she is considered the most famous Latin American actress in all of the U.S. She is also very active in supporting organizations to help those who are victims of domestic violence. Ever since her own daughter, she has reached out to struggling mothers and organizations who aim to assist mothers in need.