Question 1

When did Hernan Cortés conquer the Aztec empire?

Accepted Answer

Hernan Cortés conquered the Aztec empire in 1521.

Question 2

Where was the Incan empire centered?

Accepted Answer

The Incan empire was centered in the Andes mountain range in South America.

Question 3

Cuba's economy has long been dependent upon which commodity?

Accepted Answer

Cuba's economy has historically been dependent on the export of sugar. In the 19th century, sugar made up over 80% of Cuba's total exports, and even today it remains an important export for the country.

Question 4

Which president is most widely admired by the Mexican people?

Accepted Answer

Lázaro Cárdenas is widely admired by the Mexican people for his social and economic reforms, including nationalizing the oil industry and redistributing land to peasants. He is also known for his support of the Spanish Republic during the Spanish Civil War and for welcoming Spanish refugees to Mexico.

Question 5

In Latin America, individuals with mixed European and indigenous blood are referred to as:

Accepted Answer

The term "mestizo" refers to someone of mixed European and indigenous ancestry in Latin America.

Question 6

When was the US-Mexico War?

Accepted Answer

The US-Mexico War was fought between 1846 and 1848.

Question 7

Inaction on the part of the Organization of American States to sufficiently address faltering democracies appears most closely related to:

Accepted Answer

The complexity of the problem is a significant factor that can hinder the Organization of American States' ability to effectively address issues in faltering democracies. This complexity can stem from political, economic, social, and cultural challenges that vary significantly from one member state to another, making a one-size-fits-all approach ineffective.

Question 8

Which of the following describes the 'balloon effect'

Accepted Answer

The 'balloon effect' refers to the phenomenon where a reduction in drug production in one region leads to an increase in another area, similar to how squeezing one end of a balloon causes the air to shift to another part of the balloon. This is often seen as a response to drug control efforts in certain areas, where drug traffickers simply relocate their operations to another region where enforcement may be weaker.

Question 9

Which of the following characterized the Porfiriato in Mexico?

Accepted Answer

The Porfiriato was characterized by a growth in foreign investment, particularly from the United States and Great Britain. This led to the modernization and industrialization of Mexico, resulting in economic growth and development. However, these benefits were mostly enjoyed by the Mexican elites and foreign investors, rather than the lower classes. The Porfirio Diaz regime was authoritarian in nature and did not allow for democratic opening. Military rule was present, but not necessarily the defining characteristic of the Porfiriato.

Question 10

What has proven to be the greatest impediment to democratic promotion in the Western Hemisphere?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What has proven to be the greatest...

Question 11

The centerpiece of Brazil's 'green economy,' its biofuel industry, has come at the expense of:

Accepted Answer

The biofuel industry in Brazil has led to the expansion of sugarcane plantations, which has often been at the expense of land reform. Many poor and rural communities have been forcibly removed from their land to make way for these plantations. This has sparked protests and conflicts over land ownership throughout the country.

Question 12

Which of the following is a cause of the growing use of the escrache by protestors in Latin America:

Accepted Answer

The growing use of the escrache by protestors in Latin America is primarily due to a weak judicial system. The escrache is a form of social activism in which activists publicly shame and expose individuals believed to be involved in criminal activity, such as corruption or human rights abuses. This tactic has become increasingly popular in Latin America where the judicial system is often perceived as ineffective or corrupt, making it difficult for citizens to pursue justice through legal channels.

Question 13

Which of the following countries gained its independence latest?

Accepted Answer

Cuba gained its independence on January 1, 1959, making it the latest country on the list to gain its independence. Chile gained independence on September 18, 1810; Colombia on July 20, 1810; Mexico on September 16, 1810; and Venezuela on July 5, 1811.

Question 14

Which of the following distinguishes the newest divisions in Cuban society?

Accepted Answer

Access to foreign exchange is the most distinguishing factor in the newest divisions in Cuban society, as it creates a clear distinction between those who have access to wealth and resources from abroad and those who do not. Race, religion, membership in the communist party, and education are not as significant in creating these divisions.

Question 15

Historically, populist leaders in Latin America were associated with which economic strategy?

Accepted Answer

Populist leaders in Latin America were historically associated with the economic strategy of import-substitution industrialization, which involved the fostering of domestic industries through protectionism, state intervention, and tariff barriers to reduce foreign imports and promote export-led growth. This strategy emerged during the mid-20th century as a response to the dependency theory that argued that the international economic system favored developed countries over developing ones, thereby perpetuating underdevelopment and inequality in the global South. Import-substitution industrialization was intended to reduce this dependency by substituting domestic production for imported goods and spurring domestic consumption and investment. Although this strategy yielded some economic gains, it also led to high inflation, fiscal deficits, corruption, and debt crises in several Latin American countries during the 1970s and 1980s, prompting a shift towards neoliberal policies that emphasized free trade, privatization, deregulation, and market-oriented reforms.

Question 16

The pink tide in Latin America was most closely associated with which political movement?:

Accepted Answer

The pink tide in Latin America was most closely associated with the progressive populist movement, which was characterized by a rejection of neoliberal economics and greater state involvement in social programs and economic development. It also emphasized social justice and reducing inequality.

Question 17

Generally speaking, which of the following political institutions is the strongest in Latin America?:

Accepted Answer

The presidency is generally considered the strongest political institution in Latin America. Several Latin American countries have a presidential system where the president is both the head of state and head of government, thus consolidating considerable power. The president typically controls the executive branch, has significant control over the budget, and is responsible for foreign policy and other crucial decision-making. While the judiciary and legislature also play crucial roles in the political system, presidential power in Latin America tends to be highly concentrated.

Question 18

What most immediately triggered economic reform in Cuba?:

Accepted Answer

The cutoff of Soviet aid in 1991 triggered an economic crisis in Cuba, leading to a period known as the "Special Period." This crisis forced the government to implement economic reforms to try and jumpstart the economy. The other options may have contributed to the need for economic reform in Cuba, but the cutoff of Soviet aid was the immediate trigger.

Question 19

Which of the following sets of countries produces the most coca:

Accepted Answer

Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru are known for their high levels of coca production and are often referred to as the "Andean Cocaine Belt." Colombia also produces significant amounts of coca, but Ecuador and Venezuela do not produce as much. Mexico is known more for its role as a transit country for cocaine rather than a producer of coca. Panama does not produce significant levels of coca.

Question 20

Which of the following countries contains the smallest population of indigenous peoples?

Accepted Answer

Argentina has a relatively small population of indigenous peoples compared to the other countries listed. According to the World Bank, only about 2.4% of Argentina's population identifies as indigenous, whereas Bolivia, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru have higher percentages ranging from 21% to 44%.

Quiz 5: Latin America