| Writing Exercises: Post-Independence Latin America |
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| Student Handouts > World History > Independent Latin America > Independent Latin America Worksheets |
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Writing Exercises: Post-Independence Latin America—Answer each of the following questions using complete sentences. 1 Explain how Latin American economies came to rely on single-cash crops. After gaining independence, many Latin American economies lacked industrial development and relied heavily on agriculture for income. Foreign demand, especially from Europe and the United States, encouraged nations to specialize in single cash crops like coffee, sugar, or bananas. This focus was supported by wealthy landowners and foreign investors seeking profits. As a result, economic structures centered around export-oriented agriculture, making countries vulnerable to market fluctuations and limited economic diversification. 2 Describe the causes of the Mexican Revolution (1910-1930). The Mexican Revolution was sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with the long dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz, who favored foreign investors and wealthy elites while ignoring the needs of peasants and workers. Land inequality, poor working conditions, and lack of political freedoms fueled unrest. Reformers like Francisco Madero called for democratic change, while revolutionaries such as Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa fought for land redistribution and social justice, leading to a decade of conflict and reform. 3 Describe the role of each of the following in the Mexican Revolution: Porfirio Díaz, Benito Juárez, Francisco "Pancho" Villa, and Emiliano Zapata. Porfirio Díaz was the longtime dictator whose repressive regime and favoritism toward elites sparked the revolution. Benito Juárez, though not directly involved, inspired future reformers with his earlier efforts to modernize Mexico and reduce church and military power. Francisco "Pancho" Villa was a northern revolutionary leader who fought for workers' rights. Emiliano Zapata led southern peasants, demanding land reform through his "Tierra y Libertad" (Land and Liberty) movement. Click here to print. Answers will vary. |
| Student Handouts > World History > Independent Latin America > Independent Latin America Worksheets |
