Understand the policies of Latin American governments throughout the 20th century and their effect on daily life; identify the geopolitical, cultural, historical, and economic challenges in Central America and the international relationships involved.

The 16th and 17th century European colonization of Latin America was characterized by conquest and slavery, leaving a legacy of racial hierarchy, poverty, and unequal distribution of land and wealth. Political power derived from land ownership, and violent struggles over land plagued daily life. Land reform efforts by Latin American governments saw limited success and led to a shift from rural to urban life. As revolutions, civil wars, and “dirty wars” erupted, women were left alone to run households, unable to access social services and financial resources available to male heads of household. In many countries children remained a crucial source of familial income. Though women saw expanded social and political roles in the later half of the 20th century, cultural machismo prevailed. Recent economic initiatives in Brazil and other countries have sought to increase foreign investment, diversify economies, and create regional cooperative markets to better the lives of all its citizens. Greater economic prosperity is thought to be the key to political and social stability in the 21st Century.

• CA  10.10: 1-3
• TX  133.33(1): b; 133.33(7): b
• FL  SS.A.3.4: 10
• NCSS  II (HS): b-f

2 class periods

• Activity Sheet, Change in 20th Century Latin America
• Map, Latin America 
• Graphic Organizer, 2-Column Table
• Analytical Essay Rubric

Use the instructions below to guide students in writing an Analytical Essay.

What changes occurred in daily life in Latin America during the 20th century?

Cause and Effect Students will write an Analytical Essay in which they identify the political, social, and economic changes in Latin American during the 20th century. Students will evaluate these changes and their effects on the daily lives of men, women, and children.

Have students research the topic using the provided links. Encourage them to use the suggested graphic organizer as they read the articles.

A ten-year old Costa Rican boy works in a lettuce field in 2001. Despite economic advances in Latin America, many farmers still rely on child labor.

To start students thinking about daily life in Latin America, have them examine the photograph.

Key questions students should answer are:

• What are some causes and effects of child labor?
• What does this photograph tell you about daily life in this country?

Distribute the Student Activity sheet. Tell students that they will write an Analytical Essay discussing changes to daily life in Latin America during the 20th century. Students will assess how governmental policy decisions, international trade, civil war, and societal expectations have impacted men, women, and children throughout Latin America.

• Latin American Government
• Legacy of Colonization
• The Caste System
• War and Revolution in Latin America
• Shift from Rural to Urban Life
• Changes in Food in Latin America
• Effects of International Trade
• Religion in Latin America
• Changes in the Life of Children
• The Evolution of Family Life
• Latin American Women
• Machismo in Latin America

Tell students to consider the interrelatedness of each of these factors, as well as the influence of race and culture on society.

Use the Analytical Essay Rubric to assess students’ performance.

Have students reflect on their performance and use the list of expectations to judge how well they met the criteria.

Ask students: How successful were the policies chosen by the governments of Latin America?

Political Speech Have students use Daily Life through History to conduct research and write a political speech given by a presidential candidate in a Latin American country.

CRITICAL THINKING: APPLY