Major Legacies of the Colonial Era in Latin America - Essay Sample

Latin America and the larger Central America have seen the development, colonization and gradual resurgence of some of the most diverse civilizations. Central America has grown in a predominantly agricultural economy, with the Amerindian people being pioneers and active proponents of Agriculture. The area has also developed as a result of the deep cultural diversity and geographical distribution of these people. In addition to these factors, Central America has seen significant growth as a result of the legacies that their colonizers left upon independence. A lot of political, cultural and social differences continue to undermine the potential and development of these societies. Issues that surround, cultural appropriation, class and even allocation of some of the most prime resources in the region, land, have been recurring difficulties for decades.

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The economic and cultural lives of the Societies in Latin America were tied together. For instance, the Amerindian people were largely agricultural people. Mesoamerica, for instance, was geographically placed. The region had thick rainforests and fertile soil that could be cultivated. The region was located in the South of Mexico and Central America. By 1200 BC, a civilization called the Olmec had begun a settlement in Mesoamerica. They were able to build the first pyramids in the Americas. They are also known for developing the first writings. The Mayans were also among the very first to settle in Mesoamerica. They were traders as thick forests covered their lands. This made it even more difficult for them to farm. Their impact on Central America saw them develop over forty cities during the classic age. Some of the most socio-cultural characteristics include class, merchants and even important figures of authority like kings and priests. They are also known for having significant art and architectural achievements.

Politically, Latin American has seen much influence from their colonial masters. Countries like Belize joined international economic and trade unions like Commonwealth. While the benefits of being part of such an organization were evident, the decision to be part of the Commonwealth significantly improved the economic opportunities of the country. Different European powers continually took up settlement in Latin America. Spain took control of the Caribbean Islands, Mexico and the Western Flank of South America. The British, Portugal and France also shared parts of the Caribbean Islands and South America. While the European powers sought to make use of the minerals and agricultural potential that Latin America processed, their use of exclusive trade and ambitions of a new world order made the progress that some countries hoped to see in their occupation of Latin America fail.

There are several impacts that colonization left Latin America with many challenges. The civilizations that had thrived in the early 1000BC now became instinct. Over 90% of the civilizations in Central and Southern America died due to some factors, colonization being a prime one. The legacies of underdevelopment left 30% of the country, without land, illiterate and even adequate access to food, shelter, and clothing. Instances of anti-colonial revolts left the elites in society far from the peasants in the land (Mestizos and Creoles). As of the moment, 25% of the total income in a lot of the countries in Latin America goes to only 5% of the people in the region. Two of the most significant marks of the social and economic inequality are Haiti and Columbia. They rank to have the highest levels of inequality in the world.