- Modern Latin America discusses Britain's historical influence over Latin America in the 19th century and how the U.S. gained control during World Wars I and II. It also describes wars, migration patterns, economic issues, political unrest, and prominent authors from the region.

1. Modern Latin America Hannah Houze

2. Britain and Latin America In 1824, the position of Britain in Latin America was almost guarantied by the defeat of Spanish forces in Peru The position was regarded as essential for economic development and political security Unfortunately for Britain, with the First World War, the U.S. was able to gain control in Latin America During the WWII, Latin America plunged far into debt, which reduced trade and therefore held little significance for the British

3. Wars of the 19 th Century Some of the most prominent reasons for war religion The race war was between the whites, the mixed, and the full black people Most wars of independence were against European super powers The wars of conquest were (and still are in some places) against the native Indians in Latin America were race, independence, conquests, resources, and The resource wars were performed over nitrate Religion vs. anti religion compromised the religion wars, and included the catholic church

4. Americas Migration played a big part in Latin America Most migration is from rural to urban areas, and is marked by growth and expansion in Latin America The reason so many people wanted to move from rural areas is the land was not fertile and peasant production was down People who moved to the city were squatters at first, but eventually were recognized and were able to send there children to school and were able to obtain basic work However, because of rural to urban migration, cities swell and can become over populated This is evident in the amount of jobs available for people migrating, which decline as the amount of people come into the city

5. Americas Because of the rapid decline of the economy due to over spending, the government assistance and services to cities dropped dramatically, causing the standard of living to drop There are now maquilador factories which give about 500,000 jobs However, they have low wages, tend to hire young women, and have poor working environments But, people hold out the hope that the jobs the maquiladors provide will aid in kick starting a better life for the people in over populated areas

6. The Second World NAFTA in Mexico: hurt or help? Because of NAFTA, Mexico has seen an increase of the export of cars, industrial parts, and electronics However, because the annual economic growth is low, skeptics believe that NAFTA used an economic strategy to shun the “public sector's role in promoting growth”

7. The Second World In 2006, the Mexico city of Oaxaca underwent harsh conflict and inner-city violence For example, teachers went on strike and APPO (popular assembly of the people of Oaxaca) was formed, which plunged the city into rebellion Because of the civil unrest in the city of Oaxaca, many people were injured or killed The violence did not stop until the arrest of Flavio Sosa, a figure head of APPO, and the investigation of murder committed by local forces of Oaxaca

8. The Second World It is stated that the reason there is political unrest in South America is because of economic problems and political instability This is unfortunate because the politics that are under distress are causing the people of South America to suffer

9. The Second World Because of the unrest in Latin America, oil prices are going to remain high America needs oil, and the places that have oil are in turmoil to say the least Until these problems are solved, America is going to continue to have an oil issue

10. Latin American Authors There are many prominent and respected authors that have risen from Latin America For example, the Argentinean, Jorge Luis Borges is regarded as the “most eminent Latin American author if any century” Another author is Gabriel Garcia Marquez He wrote Cien Anos de Soledad, which is “one of the most important works in world literature of the 20 th century” There are many more authors from Latin America that have won awards, stunned critics, and captured the hearts of the readers

11. Latin American Celebrities There are many people who became famous not only in Latin America, but in the U.S. as well For example, football (soccer) player Ivan Becerra was born in San Luis Potosi and is now a professional athlete and has stunned viewers and football fans alike with his all-star moves Many people who are famous today came from other countries, Latin America included