Download Atlantic South America

Atlantic South America
Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay
Early on
 Originally, groups of
Natives lived in what
is now known as
Argentina. They
hunted wild game in
the Pampas and
used irrigation in the
north to grow crops.
Today, almost none
remain.
Early Argentine History
 The first Europeans
to come were the
Spanish in the
1500’s. They came
looking for silver and
even named the land
for this = Argentina
means land of silver.
Early Argentine History
 Spanish built settlements
by the monarch granting
land to colonists who
then built the
settlements.
Landowners were also
given the right by their
monarch to force the
natives there to work on
their land – sweet!
Early Argentine History
 The Pampas would become a major
agricultural area where cattle and horses were
raised – herded by Gauchos on the open
grasslands. Today it is still an important
farming region, sans the Gauchos.
Early Argentine History
 In the early 1800’s,
Argentina fought
Spain for
independence. A
period of violent
transition followed.
Many of the Natives
were killed or driven
away during this
time.
Modern Argentina
 As the natives were
being killed off,
immigrants from
German, Spain and
England came. The
railroads were being built
during this time making it
easier to transport goods
across the country for
export – beef being a big
product.
Modern Argentina
 Through the 1900’s,
Argentina remained
one of the wealthiest
of South American
nations, however, the
country was plagued
by dictators and
military governments
during this time.
Modern Argentina
 Some leaders were popular such as Eva Peron
(Evita). However, some were infamous for
abusing human rights. The “Dirty War” of the
1970’s those disagreeing with government
were tortured and killed.
Modern Argentina
 The country’s
economy would
suffer greatly during
this time, as well as
the people. Finally,
int the late 1980’s,
the military gave up
control of the
government to
elected officials.
People and Culture
 Most of the people in
Argentina are
descended from
Spanish, Italian or other
European roots. Native
Argentines and mestizos
only make up 3% of the
population. Most
Argentines are Roman
Catholics.
People and Culture
 Beef is a big part of Argentine culture and
cuisine. A popular dish is parilla – grilled
sausage and steak. Supper is usually eaten
quite late in Argentina.
Argentina Today
 Most of the people in Argentina live in
Buenos Aires, the country’s capital and
2nd largest city in Argentina. It is located
on the coast and near the Pampas which
has helped develop the economy.
 The Pampas is the largest agricultural
area. 11% of the people work in
agriculture. Ranches and farms produce
beef, wheat and corn for export.
Argentina and Mercosur
 In the 1990’s, Argentina
made reforms to help the
economy. They joined
Mercosur, a group that
promotes economies of
southern and eastern
countries of South
America. By 2000, debt
and government
spending put the
economy in a crisis.
Uruguay
 Uruguay is tucked between Brazil and
Argentina. Its capital is Montevideo, located on
the north shore of the Rio de la Plata.
 Portugal originally claimed Uruguay, but the
Spanish soon took control in the 1770’s. In
1825, Uruguay declared independence from
Spain. Since then, military governments have
ruled the country, however it has a tradition of
political freedom. Today it is a democracy.
Uruguay People
 Most of the people in
Uruguay are of
European descent, with
only 12% being of
African, Native or
mestizo background.
Most people are Roman
Catholic and Spanish is
the official language,
although many speak
Portuguese.
Uruguay People
 90% of the people live in
cities, with 1/3 of them
living in or near
Montevideo. They have
a high literacy rate and
many have good jobs
with good pay. This
creates good demand for
consumer goods/
Uruguay Economy
 Uruguay’s economy
is tied to its
neighbors – more
than half its trade
with Brazil and
Argentina. Beef is a
big export item and
agriculture and some
manufacturing is the
basis of the economy
Paraguay
 Paraguay borders Brazil, Bolivia and Brazil and
is a landlocked country. The Paraguay river
divides the country into two regions. East of
the river is the country’s farmland and the area
for grazing beef. Paraguay was claimed by
Spain in the 1530’s. It would gain
independence in 1811. From that time it was
ruled off and on by dictators, but today it has
elected leaders and a democratic government.
Paraguay People
 About 95% of the people
are of meztizo descent.
The remainder are of
Native or European
descent. They have two
official languages,
Spanish and Guarani a
native language. Most
folks are Roman
Catholic, like the other
countries we have seen.
Paraguay People
 Paraguay’s capital and largest city is Asuncion.
It is located near the border of Argentina along
the Paraguay river. Most of the people in
Paraguay are rural.
Paraguay Economy
 Most of the wealth in
Paraguay is
controlled by a few
rich families. These
families and large
companies have a
huge effect on the
government
Paraguay Economy
 Agriculture is big part
of the economy with
almost half of the
people working in
that area. Many of
these farmers are
subsistence farmers,
growing corn, cotton,
soybeans and
sugarcane.
Paraguay Economy
 Paraguay has a lot of
small businesses, but
little industry. The future
may be promising when
they learn to use their
resources – Dams
providing hydroelectric
power, enough to sell the
excess to Brazil and
Argentina is one
example.
And so …
 Exit: How are the people of Paraguay
different than those of Uruguay and
Argentina?
 Stay tuned nest time for Atlantic South
America Review.