Invasion and subsequent takeover of the Aztec Empire by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés and his allies between 1519-1521

A region from which innovative ideas, technologies, and cultural traits originate and spread to other areas

Located along the east coast of Brazil; rolling hills and plateaus in central and southern regions

World's largest river by volume that drains an area of over 2.7 million square miles with over 1,100 tributaries

Political party that dominated Mexican politics for 71 years (1929-2000), creating what some called a "perfect dictatorship" through control of media, patronage, and occasional electoral fraud

Person of mixed European (primarily Spanish) and indigenous ancestry – represents about 60% of Mexico's population

Artificial waterway cutting through Panama, connecting Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

Foreign-owned factories in Mexico, particularly near the U.S. border, that import materials and equipment duty-free for assembly or manufacturing and then export the assembled product, usually back to the originating country

Implemented in 1994 between the United States, Mexico, and Canada to eliminate trade barriers and increase investment opportunities (replaced by USMCA in 2020)

A short-lived federation of Central American nations (1823-1838) that formed after independence from Spain and Mexico

Music style originating in Trinidad that combines African, Spanish, and Caribbean elements, featuring improvised lyrics, steel drums, and guitars

Developed in Jamaica in the 1960s, combining African, Caribbean, and American influences. Often addresses social problems and religious themes.

Economic activity that takes place outside official channels, without benefits or protection for workers

Creating step-like horizontal fields on hillsides or mountain slopes

Indigenous language family still spoken by millions in the Andes region today

World's largest tropical rainforest

The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat

The cutting down and clearing away of trees and forests

An agreement where a portion of a nation's foreign debt is forgiven in exchange for environmental protection commitments

Extensive savanna region in central Brazil with drought-resistant trees and shrubs

Agreement signed in 1494 between Spain and Portugal, dividing newly discovered lands outside Europe between the two kingdoms

Annual festival in Brazil preceding Lent featuring elaborate parades, music, dancing, and costumes

A farming method where vegetation is cut down and burned to clear land for temporary agriculture

Brazil is home to about ______ of Earth’s biodiversity.

Which country officially claimed Brazil in 1500?

What is Capoeira?

Who is known as “The Liberator” for leading many South American countries to independence?

What is one reason the Spanish were able to conquer the Inca Empire?

Why did Europeans bring enslaved Africans to the Caribbean?

Which country is known for gaining independence through a slave revolt led by Toussaint L’Ouverture?

What was the main reason the Panama Canal was built?

Which group was a major indigenous civilization in Central America?

What was the main economic base during the colonial period in Mexico?

Which of the following is a famous Mexican tradition recognized by UNESCO?

Who was the leader that started Mexico’s independence movement in 1810?

The Aztec Empire was ruled by which leader when the Spanish arrived?

What does the term “infrastructure” refer to?

Which vertical climate zone is found below 2,500 feet and has a hot climate supporting tropical crops like bananas, sugar cane?

Which vertical climate zone is found above 15,000 feet and is covered with permanent snow and ice?

What kind of climate is found in the Amazon Basin?

Which of the following regions is known for vast tropical grasslands and is found in Colombia and Venezuela?

The _____________ are fertile grasslands in Argentina and Uruguay known for farming and cattle ranching.