Map Latin America

Pre-Colonization: Indigenous Empires

Latin America is controlled by three major indigenous populations: the Inca, Aztec and Maya. Ruins from these three civilizations are popular tourist destinations today. Machu Picchu, an Inca ruin in Peru built in the early 1400s, is the most famous.

Mid to late 1400s: Europeans Arrive

European countries “discover” Latin America, arriving by boat mostly from Spain and Portugal. They settle all over the region and the European population grows. Land is taken away from the indigenous people and they are pushed into poverty, as European descendants get more and more powerful.

Early 1800s: Independence

Latin American countries struggle to become independent from the European countries that control them. By 1825, almost all of Latin America has achieved independence.

Late 1800s: Land Ownership

A new kind of inequality is introduced. Land and resources that were once controlled by Europe are taken over by wealthy European descendants. The indigenous populations are still struggling and now, few of them own their own land.

1900s: Government Corruption

Latin American governments become very corrupt. In many countries, military groups rise up to try to take over governments. Foreign countries get involved in some conflicts and try to influence who will be in power, but this only makes things worse. Meanwhile, the people are suffering from poverty caused by violence, government corruption and economic failure.

Present: Inequality

Although many Latin American countries now have stable, democratic governments, some are still struggling and the governments that are in place are not strong. Economies have suffered from this instability and countries such as Argentina and Ecuador have experienced major economic collapses. There is still major inequality between the indigenous and European people.