Latin America Review

In the traditional Hindu caste system and in the social hierarchy of colonial Latin America, the status of a person was usually determined by

• education

• wealth

• birth

• power

“Americans today, and perhaps to a greater extent than ever before, who live within the Spanish system, occupy a position in society no better than that of serfs destined for labor, or at best they have no more status than that of mere consumers. . . .”

This quotation, written in September 1815, represents the views of

• Martin Luther

• Catherine the Great

• Simon Bolivar

• Adam Smith

Which outcome was a direct result of the social structure established during European colonization of Latin America?

• inequalities of income and power

• communist governments were formed in most countries

• a small but powerful middle class that owned the land and businesses

• family structure of native peoples was destroyed

In many Latin American nations, a major effect of colonial rule has been the

• concentration of power in a small group of landowners

• minor political role of the military

• equal distribution of wealth among social classes

• economic control held by the Indian population

Which mountains were an obstacle to Simon Bolivar's efforts to unify Gran Colombia?

• Alps

• Andes

• Zagros

• Urals

Which event came first in Latin American history?

• Panama regained control of the Panama Canal.

• Simon Bolivar established Gran Colombia.

• Fidel Castro became the communist leader of Cuba.

• The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was signed by Mexico, Canada, and the United States

Which geographic factor most limited the growth of Latin American unity of the early 19th century?

• the region’s diverse landforms

• most of the region’s rivers flowed north to south

• the region’s location close to the equator

• the region’s lack of natural resources

The varied climate and topography of Latin America have directly led to

• the deforestation of the region

• the development of many diverse cultures

• overpopulation in rural areas

• rapid political unification

The topography of Latin America has tended to encourage the development of

• rapid industrialization

• religious unity

• democratic principles

• regional differences

In many newly independent 19th-century Latin American nations, power was often concentrated in the hands of the

• wealthy landowners

• corporate executives

• Maya and Aztec officials

• peasant farmers