He emphasizes the effect of the slave trade on the demographics and culture of the region and discusses the collapse of the Aztec and Inca empires (the Mayans having long since faded into obscurity, leaving only ruins). He then discusses the European invasion and the influx of people from Europe and Africa (the African people having been transported to the New World as slaves). Chasteen provides linguistic and cultural notes on the different distinct societies present in modern South America, Central America, and Mexico. The author is emphasizing the notion that the Latin American identity is not a racial or ethnic construct so much as a cultural construct developed in part to resist both the initial colonial powers and subsequent attempts at cultural and economic dominance by other powers including the United States.Ĭhapter 1, 'Encounter', provides a brief but concise overview of the three great empires that existed on the American continent prior to European invasion: the Aztec, Inca, and Mayan empires. The introduction begins with a discussion of what 'Latin America' means. He developed this book as a textbook with the intention of using it in his history course, and it has since become a valuable tool for many instructors in Latin American history. The instructor, John Charles Chasteen, is a professor at the University of North Carolina. This book, now in its third edition, discusses the emergent nations of Latin America. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community.

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