Pre-AP Geography Chapter 7&8 Mexico, Central

America, & The Caribbean

Mexico – Physical GeographyMexico’s physical features include plateaus,

mountains, and coastal lowlands. Mexico shares a long border with the southern

United States. The Río Bravo, called the Rio Grande in the U.S.,

runs along part of this border. The Río Bravo is one of Mexico’s few major rivers.

Mexico

Mexico’s Physical Features

Bodies of Water

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean in the West and the Gulf of Mexico in the east

Stretching south from northern Mexico is a peninsula, or piece of land surrounded by water on three sides, called Baja California.

The Yucatán Peninsula separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea.

Plateaus And Mountains

Much of interior is a region called the Mexican Plateau.

Two mountain ranges, the Sierra Madre Oriental in the east and the Sierra Madre Occidental in the west, are part of the Sierra Madre, or “mother range.”

The Valley of Mexico, where Mexico City is located, lies between these two ranges in the south.

The mountains south of Mexico City include volcanoes. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are a threat to that region.

Mexico – Physical Geography

Coastal Lowlands

The land slopes down to the coast from highlands in central Mexico.

The Gulf coastal plain is wide and flat.

This region has good soils and climate for farming.

The Yucatán Peninsula is mostly flat.

Erosion of limestone created caves and sinkholes that are often filled with water

Mexico – Physical Geography

Mexico’s climate and vegetation include deserts, tropical forests, and cool

highlands

The great variety of climates produces different vegetation.

Changes in elevation cause climates to vary within short distances.

The Mexican Plateau can have cool temperatures.

The southern coastal areas have warm temperatures and summer rainy seasons that support tropical forests that cover 25 percent of Mexico.

The climate in the Yucatán Peninsula is hot and dry, supporting scrub forest.

Most of northern Mexico is dry and made up of deserts and grasslands.

Mexico – Physical Geography

Key natural resources in Mexico include oil, silver, gold, and scenic landscapes.

Mexico has rich natural resources.

The southern and coastal plains and the Gulf of Mexico have oil.

Mexico’s mines yield gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc.

Mexico produces more silver than any other country in the world.

Mexico's Natural Resources

Mexico – Physical Geography

Three Early Mexican Cultures

Olmec

Lived in small villages by about 1500 BC. Settled in the southern coast of

the Gulf of Mexico. Built temples and giant statues.

Maya

Built big cities in Mexico and Central America between AD 250 and 900.

Built stone temples & Developed a calendar. Kept written records that do

not reveal the reason for their collapse

Aztec

Moved in from the north and built a great capital on an island in 1325.

Established an empire - a land with different territories and peoples under

one ruler. Obtained new lands, taxes, and captives to sacrifice through war

Mexico – History and Culture

Mexico – History and Culture

Colonial Mexico

Despite great size and power, the Aztec empire did not last

long after Hernán Cortés arrived with 600 Spanish soldiers.

Cortés conquered the empire by 1521.

After the conquest, the separate peoples and cultures mixed.

The Roman Catholic Church had great influence and ruled over

large areas of northern Mexico. The church established

missions - or church outposts.

Mexico – History and Culture

Independence

Spain ruled Mexico for 300 years. Miguel Hidalgo - a Catholic

priest, led the revolt against Spain. Hidalgo was killed in 1811,

but Mexico won independence in 1821.

Later Struggles

Texas broke away from Mexico fifteen years after independence.

During the resulting Mexican-American War, Mexico lost nearly

half of its territory.

In the mid-1800s, Benito Juárez helped Mexico survive a

French invasion and reduced the privileges of the church and

army.

The Mexican Revolution, 1910-1920, resulted in land reform.

Mexico – History and Culture

Culture

Most Mexicans speak Spanish.

About 90 percent of Mexicans are Roman Catholic.

Many people speak an American Indian language that ties them to their ethnic group.

Mexicans have unique practices that result from the mixing of cultures.

For example, Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead to remember dead ancestors.

This holiday is held on All Souls’ Day, but reflects native customs and beliefs.

Day of the Dead

Mexico – History and Culture

Mexico’s Government and Economy

Government

Mexico is a democracy, but the same party ruled for 71 years.

A different political party came to power in 2000 when Vicente Fox was elected president.

Mexico’s economy has been growing since 1994 when the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) made trade with the U.S. and Canada easier.

Agriculture

Farms have long been a part of Mexican economy.

Only 12 percent of the land can be farmed.

Farmers practice slash-and-burn agriculture, burning forests to clear land for planting.

Farmers grow cash crops, crops that farmers can sell for a profit.

Mexico Today

Industry

Major industries include oil, mining, and manufacturing.

Many foreign companies have built factories along the U.S. border because labor is cheaper.

Some Mexican workers come to the U.S. to look for jobs.

Tourism

Tourists visit old colonial cities and Maya and Aztec monuments.

Coastal cities are popular with tourists.

Mexico's Economy - Fastest Growing in Latin America

Mexico Today

Mexico has four distinct culture regions.

Greater Mexico City

Includes the capital and 50 smaller cities. Has a population of more than 19

million. Second largest city in world

Huge, dense population causes problems. Smog, a mixture of smoke, chemicals,

and fog, created by factories and cars. City has wide spread diversity.

Mexico City Central Mexico

North of Mexico City - Many cities established for ranching or mining during the

colonial period. Colonial heritage: church near main central square, or plaza

Small family farms that grow vegetables, corn and wheat. Regions has mining

centers with new industries leading to rapid growth of cities

Central Mexico

Mexico Today

Northern Mexico

One of the country’s wealthiest and most modern regions due to trade U.S. that

helps the growth of the economy. Has many maquiladoras - U.S. and foreign-

owned factories

Influenced by American television, music, and culture. Residents crossing into

the U.S. to shop, work, or live. United States tries to prevent illegal crossing

Northern Mexico Southern Mexico

Least populated and industrialized region. Many Indian language speakers

Subsistence farming and slash-and-burn agriculture. Two major export crops:

sugarcane and coffee. Increased oil production along the Gulf coast

Yucatán Peninsula: tourism to Maya ruins and beaches where tiny fishing towns

transformed to booming tourist centers

Mexico Today

Central America

Southern part of North America. Includes Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua,

Costa Rica, and Panama An isthmus - narrow strip of land that connects two larger land areas

No wider than 125 miles between Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Chain of mountains and

volcanoes divides Caribbean and Pacific coastal plains. No good water route, so difficult to

travel

The Caribbean Islands

Across from Central America in the Caribbean Sea.

An archipelago - a large group of islands. Greater Antilles: Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and

Puerto Rico. Lesser Antilles: Small islands from Virgin Islands to Trinidad to Tobago.

Bahamas: 700 islands

Formed from tops of underwater mountains or volcanoes and coral reefs pushed up by colliding

tectonic plates

Central America & The CaribbeanPhysical Geography

Chapter 8Central America and the Caribbean

I. Central America & The CaribbeanPhysical Geography

A. The climate and vegetation of the region include forested highlands, tropical forests, and

humid lowlands.

1. Islands and Coastal Plains

Humid tropical and tropical savanna climates. Pacific coast savannas cleared for plantations and

ranches. Caribbean coast rain forest

2. Inland Mountains

Cool, humid climates. a. Cloud forest - a moist, high-elevation tropical forest where low clouds

are common

3. Temperatures

Little change from day to night or summer to winter. a. Change in season marked by change

in rainfall - Winters dry & Summers wet

4. Hurricanes

Threaten from summer to fall they bring violent winds, heavy rains, and high seas. Occur mostly

from June to November and cause destruction and loss of life

B. Key natural resources in the region include rich soils for agriculture, a few minerals, and

beautiful beaches.

Land and climate attract tourists. Volcanic ash

enriched soil. Crops include coffee, bananas,

sugarcane, and cotton.

Export timber from rain forests. Very few mineral

and energy resources

Export timber from rain forests. Very few mineral and energy resources

A. Early History

1. AD 250–900: Maya built large cities with pyramids and temples. Maya

descendants live in Guatemala and Belize.

2. Early 1500s: Europeans controlled most of Central America.

a. Britain: Belize and Nicaragua’s coast

b. Spain: Large plantations of tobacco and sugarcane. Forced Indians and

enslaved Africans to work in mines and plantations

3. Independence

1821: Independence from Spain. Remained joined as the United Provinces of Central

America

1838-1839: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala separated.

1903: Panama and Columbia separated.

1981: Belize independence

II. Central America

B. Since Independence

Wealthy landowners continued to run countries. Economy remained based on

bananas and coffee.

Early to mid-1900s: U.S.-based United Fruit Company controlled most of banana

production. The company developed railroads and port facilities. This

development improved transportation and communication.

People resented role of foreign companies.

Mid- to late 1900s: Demands for reform led to armed struggles in Guatemala, El

Salvador, and Nicaragua. Peace achieved only in recent years

C. The culture of Central America is a mixture of Native American and European traditions.

1. People & Language

a. Most people are mestizos - people of mixed European and Indian ancestry.

Descendants of ancient Maya live in Guatemalan Highlands and other places.

People of African ancestry live mostly along the Caribbean coast.

People speak mostly Spanish, but also native Indian languages and English.

2. Religion, Festivals, and Food

Most people are Roman Catholic.

Indian traditions influenced Catholicism.

Celebrations are tied to religion: special saints’ feast days and Easter.

Traditional foods are corn, tomatoes, hot peppers, and cacao.

D. The countries of Central America today have challenges and opportunities.

1. Guatemala

More than 14 million people. Most mestizos; almost half Indian and live mostly in small villages in highlands

1960-1996: Fighting killed 200,000 people. Crops: coffee and cardamom

2. Belize

Smallest population in Central America. Not much land for agriculture

Ecotourism, the practice of using an area’s natural environment to attract tourists

3. Honduras

Mountainous country. Transportation difficult because of rugged land and very little land for farming

Exports: citrus fruits and bananas

4. El Salvador

Land owned by a few rich people. 1980s-1992: Civil war, a conflict between two or more groups within a country

Fertile soil to grow coffee and sugarcane

5. Costa Rica History of peace and stable, democratic government. Progress

toward reducing poverty Crops: coffee and bananas. Tourism to rain forests

6. Nicaragua 1979: Dictator overthrown by Sandinistas. 1979-1990: Civil war Rebels aided by the U.S. 1990: Democratic elections pushed

Sandinistas out of power.

7. Panama Narrow, southernmost country. Canal links Caribbean Sea and

Pacific and Atlantic Oceans Panama Canal fees and industry make this region prosperous.

1914-1999:Canal controlled by U.S.

Central America

Why do you think some countries that were colonized often struggle after gaining independence and some do not? Is there a particular key to countries finding stability and success post-colonization?

Read pages 188-199 and answer the following (answers only, you do not need to copy or restate the question)

Pg. 191 #1 (a,b), # 2 (a,b), 3 (a)Pg. 197 # 1 (b), # 2 (a,b), 3 (b,c)Pg. 199 #1-2

A. The history of the Caribbean islands includes European colonization followed by independence.

1492: Christopher Columbus discovered the Caribbean islands, believing them to be the Indies.

The islands are now 13 independent countries.

These countries show the influence of the first European colonizers.

1. Early History

a. Columbus (1492) thought he had reached the Indies, and so he called the Caribbean the West Indies.

b. 1600s-1700s: The English, French, Dutch, and Danish established colonies on the islands.

They built sugarcane plantations that required many workers.

Most Caribbean Indians died from disease, so Europeans brought enslaved Africans.

Africans and their descendants outnumbered Europeans.

III. Caribbean Islands

2. Independence

1804: Toussaint-L’Ouverture helped Haiti win independence from France and freedom for slaves.

Mid-1800s: Dominican Republic

1902: Cuba from U.S.

After World War II, other Caribbean countries gained independence.

Some islands, such as Martinique and Guadeloupe, are still not independent.

3. People

Most islanders are descended from Europeans, Africans, or both.

Some Asians, who came to work on plantations after slavery ended, live on the island.

4. Language

People speak Spanish, English, French, and mixtures of African and European languages.

Haitians speak French Creole, which is a dialect, or a regional variety of a language.

5. Religion

Former colonies are mostly Roman Catholic.

People also blend Catholicism and traditional African religions.

B. Caribbean Culture

Islanders celebrate a variety of holidays.

The most widespread is Carnival, before Lent, when people celebrate with big parades, fancy costumes, and music.

C. Foods

Caribbean food reflects past.

Yams and okra from Africa

In Barbados, souse is made of pigs’ tails, ears, and snouts because slaveholders gave slaves the leftover parts of the pig.

People from India brought curry to the region.

D. Major Caribbean Islands

1. Puerto Rico

U.S. commonwealth, or a self-governing territory associated with another country. People are U.S. citizens

with no voting rights. More developed than other Caribbean countries due to U.S. aid and investment

2. Haiti

Mountainous western third of Hispaniola. Small farms, but exports coffee and sugarcane

Poorest country due to corruption. Many become refugees, or people fleeing to another country for political or

economic reasons.

3. Dominican Republic

Eastern part of Hispaniola. More developed than Haiti but not rich

Capital Santo Domingo is the first permanent European settlement in Western Hemisphere. Economy:

agriculture and growing tourism

4. Cuba

Largest and most populous island with Havana as capital. Since 1959: Run by a Communist

government headed by Fidel Castro. Communists took over U.S. owned businesses, so U.S.

banned trade.

Farms are cooperatives, or organizations owned by its members and operated for mutual benefit.

Government controls the media.

5. Jamaica

The largest of these other islands. Several resorts on the island.

6. Saint Kitts and Nevis

The smallest of the other islands. High-end resort area.

7. A number of islands are territories of the U.S., Britain, France, and the Netherlands.

Some islands have land to grow coffee, sugarcane, and spices.

Others attract tourists.

New construction for tourists can harm natural environment.

What would be a benefit of being a territory of the United States? What would be a drawback?

Territories vs. States

Read pages 200-205 and answer the following (answers only, you do not need to copy or restate the question)

Pg. 205 # 1 (a,b), #2 (a,b), #3 (a,b,c) and pg. 208 #14