Unit 4: Nationalism, Industrialism, and Imperialism

Lesson F: Imperialism and the New World of the Americas

Activity 4: Latin American Exports

Officially, during the 19^th century, most of Latin America remained free of direct foreign control, but the economies of most Latin American countries were controlled by a small number of Western companies. Most of these companies were interested in the natural resources that Latin America could provide. In addition to mineral and other resources, Latin America exported large amounts of fruit to the world. In this activity you will explore the exports that Latin America provided to the world and then discuss how this system might have led to a different form of intervention and imperialism in Latin America than was found in regions such as Africa.

Written Activity - Notebook

In your notebook, respond to the following questions:

• What patterns do you notice from examining the map below?
• Why do you think foreign companies were so interested in owning the land that produced these goods? Why do you think these companies did not open factories on these lands instead?
• Who do you think provided the labor for this farm work?
• What influence do you think the foreign companies that owned the lands that produced these crops had on Latin American political affairs?
• How was intervention and economic imperialism in Latin America different from political imperialism in places such as Africa?