Latin America Test 5

The most common sport in South America is soccer, also known as fútbol. This is evident from the popularity and passion that South American countries have for the sport. Soccer is deeply ingrained in the culture and history of South America, with numerous successful national teams and renowned players hailing from the region. The sport is widely played and followed by people of all ages and is a significant part of the social fabric in South American countries.

In the "New World," slaves were at the bottom of society. Slavery was a prevalent institution during this time, and slaves were considered property rather than individuals with rights. They were forcibly brought from Africa and forced to work under harsh conditions on plantations and in households. Slaves had no social or legal status and were subjected to extreme exploitation and abuse by their owners. Their lack of freedom and the dehumanizing treatment they endured placed them at the lowest rung of society in the "New World."

Spanish and Portuguese are the two most common languages in South America because they are both widely spoken and have historical and cultural significance in the region. Spanish is the official language of most South American countries, including Argentina, Colombia, and Peru, while Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. These two languages have a strong presence due to the colonial history of the continent, with Spain and Portugal being the main European powers that colonized South America. Additionally, both languages have influenced the local dialects and cultures, making them prevalent throughout the region.

Central America is the correct answer because it is geographically located between Mexico and South America, and it is considered part of the Latin American region. Central America consists of seven countries: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. These countries share similar cultural and historical characteristics with South America and the Caribbean, making them an integral part of the Latin American region.

Brazil is the largest and most-populated country in South America. The fact that natives speak Portuguese further supports this description. The other options provided do not accurately describe Brazil.

Machu Picchu is the correct answer because it is a well-known hidden Inca city located in the Andes mountains. It was built in the 15th century and is known for its impressive architecture and stunning mountain views. The city was abandoned and hidden from the Spanish conquistadors, which helped to preserve its ruins until its rediscovery in 1911. Today, Machu Picchu is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Much of Latin America, particularly the northern half of South America, is made up of rain forests. This is because the region has a tropical climate with high temperatures and abundant rainfall, creating the perfect conditions for the growth of dense and diverse rain forests. These rain forests are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, making them ecologically important and attracting tourists from around the world. The Amazon rainforest, located in this region, is the largest tropical rainforest in the world and plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate.

The Spanish were able to succeed in conquering much of Latin America because they had superior technology and weapons, which gave them an advantage over the native populations. Additionally, many natives viewed the Spanish as gods and assisted them, further aiding their conquest. This combination of advanced technology and the belief in their divine status allowed the Spanish to conquer and colonize large parts of Latin America.

The correct answer is "Both A and B" because Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are both cities in Brazil. Mexico City, on the other hand, is not in Brazil, but rather in Mexico.

Inflation is a problem that many Latin American countries face. This refers to the general increase in prices of goods and services over time, leading to a decrease in the purchasing power of the currency. When inflation is high, it erodes the value of money, making it difficult for individuals and businesses to plan for the future. It can also lead to economic instability and social unrest. Therefore, inflation is a significant issue that Latin American countries need to address in order to maintain a stable economy.

Mulattoes were the children born to one European parent and one African parent. This term was commonly used during the colonial period to describe individuals of mixed European and African ancestry. The term "Peninsulares" referred to people born in Europe who later settled in the colonies, "Creoles" referred to people of European descent born in the colonies, and "Mestizo" referred to people of mixed European and Indigenous American ancestry.

Brazil was the largest Portuguese territory in Latin America due to its vast size and territorial expansion during the colonial period. As the only Portuguese-speaking country in the region, Brazil became the center of Portuguese colonial administration and economic activities. It encompassed a significant portion of South America, including the Amazon rainforest and a diverse range of ecosystems. Brazil's size and resources made it a crucial colony for Portugal, leading to its designation as the largest Portuguese territory in Latin America.

Half of the population of South America lives in the country of Brazil. This means that Brazil has the largest population in South America compared to other countries in the region.

The Amazon is best described as the largest rainforest in the world. It covers a vast area of South America, spanning across several countries including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela. The Amazon rainforest is known for its incredible biodiversity, with millions of species of plants, animals, and insects calling it home. It plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate and is often referred to as the "lungs of the planet" due to its production of oxygen.

Machu Picchu is best described as the "Lost city of the Inca empire." This ancient city, located in Peru, was built by the Inca civilization and was abandoned in the 16th century. It remained hidden and unknown to the outside world until its rediscovery in 1911. Machu Picchu is now a popular tourist destination and is considered a significant archaeological site, showcasing the impressive architectural and engineering skills of the Inca civilization.

Most South American countries gained their independence from European colonial rule during the 1800s. This period, known as the Latin American Wars of Independence, saw numerous revolutions and uprisings against Spanish and Portuguese rule across the continent. By the end of the 1800s, countries like Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela had achieved independence. The 1400s and 1500s are too early for South American independence movements, and the 2000s are too recent.

Most of the people in South America have settled and established cities along the coasts. This is because the coastal areas provide access to resources such as fishing, trade routes, and fertile land for agriculture. Additionally, the coasts offer favorable climate conditions and transportation opportunities, making them attractive for human settlement and economic activities.

The correct answer is "Conquistadores." The term "Conquistadores" refers to the Spanish soldiers who explored and conquered the Americas during the Age of Exploration. They played a significant role in the colonization of the New World, particularly in regions such as Mexico, Central America, and South America. These soldiers sought wealth, power, and glory, and their conquests had a profound impact on the indigenous populations and the subsequent history of the Americas.

Hernán Cortés is the correct answer because he is widely known as one of the most famous Spanish conquistadores. He is particularly renowned for his conquest of the Aztec Empire in the early 16th century, which led to the colonization of Mexico by the Spanish. Cortés's military strategies and his ability to form alliances with indigenous groups played a significant role in his success. His expeditions and conquests in the New World have made him a prominent figure in history.

Francisco Pizarro is the correct answer because he was a Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that conquered the Inca empire in South America. Pizarro arrived in Peru in 1531 and captured the Inca emperor Atahualpa, leading to the downfall of the Inca civilization. He established the city of Lima as the capital of the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru and played a significant role in the Spanish colonization of the region.

The Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA) would decrease trade restrictions in the Americas to increase trade. This means that the agreement aims to reduce barriers, such as tariffs and quotas, that hinder the flow of goods and services between countries in the Americas. By doing so, it seeks to promote and facilitate trade among participating nations, ultimately leading to increased economic activity and growth in the region.

The Inca Civilization lasted from 1200-1535 and was conquered by Spain. Spain was one of the major European powers during the Age of Exploration and colonization. They sought to expand their empire and gain control over valuable resources and territories. The Spanish conquistadors, led by Francisco Pizarro, conquered the Inca Empire in the 16th century, resulting in the downfall of the Inca Civilization.

The Treaty of Tordesillas was an agreement that split South America between Spain and Portugal. This treaty was signed in 1494 and was mediated by the Pope. It aimed to resolve conflicts between the two countries over newly discovered lands in the New World. The treaty established a line of demarcation, known as the Tordesillas Line, which divided the newly discovered territories. Spain was granted the rights to most of the lands west of the line, while Portugal received rights to lands east of the line, including present-day Brazil. This agreement had a significant impact on the colonization and territorial division of South America between these two European powers.

The fact that the people of Columbia speak Spanish and the people of Brazil speak Portuguese is an example of a colonial legacy. This is because both languages were brought to these countries by European colonizers during the colonial era. The colonization of these regions by Spain and Portugal resulted in the imposition of their languages on the local populations, which has continued to be spoken even after independence. This linguistic influence is a clear example of the lasting impact of colonialism on the cultural and linguistic aspects of these countries.

The correct answer is 415 because it is the only option that is greater than 300 and 240. Since it is stated that "over" a certain number of people live in South America, it is logical to choose the highest option provided, which is 415.

The fact that most South Americans are Roman Catholic can be seen as an example of a colonial legacy. During the period of European colonization in South America, the Catholic Church played a significant role in converting indigenous populations to Christianity. This legacy has persisted over time, with the majority of South Americans continuing to identify as Roman Catholic.

Creoles were Spanish people born in the "New World". They were descendants of Spanish settlers who were born in the Americas. This term was used specifically for individuals of Spanish descent who were born in the colonies, distinguishing them from the Peninsulares who were born in Spain and later migrated to the colonies. The term Creole was used to denote a social and cultural distinction between the two groups.

Moctezuma II ruled the Aztecs at the time Cortes and the Spanish arrived. This is historically accurate as Moctezuma II was the ninth ruler of the Aztec Empire and he was in power during the Spanish conquest of Mexico. He initially welcomed Cortes, believing him to be a god, but eventually the Aztecs revolted against the Spanish and Moctezuma II was killed.

A Spanish-born immigrant who was at the top of the social class in Latin America was called a Peninsulare. This term refers to individuals who were born in Spain and migrated to Latin America. They held high positions of power and privilege in society due to their European heritage and close ties to the Spanish crown. The term Creoles refers to individuals of Spanish descent who were born in the Americas, while Mestizo and Mulattoes refer to individuals of mixed European and indigenous or African ancestry, respectively.

Brazil had an economic advantage due to its good land for farming, particularly for sugar production. This suggests that Brazil had fertile soil and favorable climate conditions for growing sugarcane, which was a highly valuable and profitable crop during the time period. The abundance of suitable land for sugar cultivation allowed Brazil to establish a successful agricultural industry and become a major player in the global sugar trade.

The region of South America is made up of 20 countries.

The correct answer is the Encomienda System. This economic system was established in the "New World" and required indigenous people and/or slaves to pay tribute to wealthy Spaniards. Under this system, the indigenous people were forced to work in mines, plantations, or as laborers, and in return, they had to provide labor or tribute to the Spanish landowners. This system allowed the Spanish colonizers to exploit the labor and resources of the indigenous population for their own benefit.

The line of demarcation divided South America between Spain and Portugal. According to the given answer, Spain received the majority of the continent, implying that they gained control over a larger portion of the land. On the other hand, Portugal specifically received the west coast of South America, which included Brazil. This division of territories influenced the settlement of South America as it determined which areas each country would colonize and govern.

The term "Mestizo" refers to individuals who have mixed European and Indigenous American ancestry. In the context of the given information about a group of people being a mixture of European and Indian descent, "Mestizo" is the most appropriate term to describe them. The other options, such as "Peninsulares" (referring to Spanish-born individuals in the Americas), "Creoles" (referring to individuals of European descent born in the Americas), and "Mulattoes" (referring to individuals with mixed European and African ancestry), do not accurately represent the specific mixture mentioned in the question.

Tenochtitlan was the capital city of the Aztec Empire, located on an island in Lake Texcoco in what is now Mexico. It was founded in 1325 and became a major center of trade, culture, and religious activity in Mesoamerica. The city was known for its impressive architecture, including temples, palaces, and causeways connecting it to the mainland. After the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in 1521, the Spanish destroyed much of Tenochtitlan and built Mexico City on its ruins, utilizing some of the existing infrastructure. Thus, Tenochtitlan later became known as Mexico City.