South America

The Contract with America was important because it represented a significant shift in American politics, marking the Republican Party's resurgence in the 1994 midterm elections. It outlined a set of conservative policies aimed at reforming government, reducing taxes, and promoting welfare reform, appealing to a wide range of voters disenchanted with the Democratic leadership. The contract helped the GOP gain control of Congress for the first time in 40 years, fundamentally altering the legislative landscape and setting the stage for subsequent political debates. Its impact on conservative governance and party strategy continues to influence American politics today.

Amerigo Vespucci is credited with the discovery and exploration of South America. He played a significant role in recognizing that the lands discovered by Christopher Columbus were part of a new continent, distinct from Asia. His name is the basis for the name "America," which refers to both North and South America, but he himself did not discover North America.

The only countries in South America that do not primarily speak Spanish are Brazil and Guyana. Brazil's official language is Portuguese, while in Guyana, English is the official language. Additionally, Suriname, although primarily Dutch-speaking, also has a diverse linguistic landscape with various indigenous languages and creoles.

South Australia extends to approximately 44 degrees south latitude, while South America stretches further south, reaching about 56 degrees south latitude at Cape Horn. Thus, South America is considerably larger in terms of its southern extent compared to South Australia. The continent of South America encompasses a diverse range of climates and ecosystems, while South Australia is characterized by its arid and semi-arid regions.

Creoles, individuals of European descent born in South America, played a pivotal role in the region's fight for independence from Spanish colonial rule in the early 19th century. They were often educated and held significant social and economic power, which positioned them as leaders in revolutionary movements. Creoles sought to assert their rights and privileges, leading to the establishment of independent nations. Their influence was crucial in shaping the political landscape of South America as they advocated for national sovereignty and governance free from European control.

Interior Mesoamerica had significant agricultural advancements, particularly the cultivation of crops like maize, beans, and squash in more diverse and complex farming systems that could support larger populations. Additionally, it featured advanced urban centers like Teotihuacan and the development of monumental architecture, which were less prevalent in coastal regions. The interior regions also had distinct cultural practices and languages that differed from those in coastal Mesoamerica.

The culture and civilization that developed in the Andes, particularly exemplified by the Inca Empire, was characterized by advanced agricultural techniques, such as terracing and irrigation, that allowed for the cultivation of diverse crops in a challenging mountainous environment. It featured a rich tradition of craftsmanship, including textiles, pottery, and metalwork, often imbued with religious significance. Social organization was hierarchical, with a strong emphasis on community and labor as seen in the ayllu system, while a complex belief system intertwined with nature and ancestor worship influenced their art and architecture. The Incas also developed extensive road networks that facilitated trade and communication across their vast empire.

The North American tectonic plate and the South American tectonic plate are the names of the large tectonic plates that cover the respective continents. The North American plate includes parts of the Arctic, Atlantic, and the western Pacific regions, while the South American plate encompasses the continent of South America and extends into the Atlantic Ocean. These plates interact with surrounding plates, contributing to geological activity such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Approximately 50% of the population of South America lives in Brazil. Given that South America's total population is around 430 million, this means that around 210 million people reside in Brazil. As the largest country in the region, Brazil significantly contributes to the continent's demographic landscape.

If South America were not present, the South Equatorial Current would likely change significantly. Without the landmass to influence its path, the current might flow more directly and continuously across the ocean, potentially merging with other currents like the East Australian Current. This alteration could affect ocean circulation patterns, climate dynamics, and marine ecosystems in the region, leading to broader implications for global oceanic systems.

Political revolts in South America were largely fueled by a combination of social inequality, economic exploitation, and the influence of Enlightenment ideas advocating for liberty and democracy. Colonial powers imposed heavy taxes and restrictions, leading to widespread discontent among the local population. Additionally, the desire for independence from European rule and the inspiration from other revolutionary movements, such as the American and French revolutions, further galvanized the push for change. These factors collectively ignited a series of uprisings and ultimately the fight for independence across the continent.

The Andes Mountains are the prominent mountain range in South America that served as the home of the Incan Empire. Stretching over 4,300 miles along the western edge of the continent, the Andes are known for their diverse ecosystems and significant cultural history. The Incas utilized the mountains for agriculture, transportation, and as a natural defense for their civilization.

The possession of a South American nation that lies farthest from the mainland is Easter Island, which is a territory of Chile. Located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, it is approximately 3,512 kilometers (2,182 miles) west of the Chilean coast. Known for its iconic moai statues, Easter Island is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world.

The four South American countries that lie on the equator are Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, and Peru. These countries experience relatively consistent temperatures year-round due to their location along the equatorial line. Ecuador is particularly notable for its name, which directly references the equator. The equatorial region in these countries features diverse ecosystems, including tropical rainforests and unique wildlife.

South Normanton, located in Derbyshire, England, is primarily a working-class area and does not have a reputation for being a wealthy neighborhood. While there may be affluent individuals or families living in the vicinity, the overall demographic tends to lean towards more modest incomes. The area is more known for its industrial history and community-focused environment rather than high concentrations of wealth.

Tierra del Fuego is considered the coldest part of South America due to its southern latitude, which places it closer to Antarctica. The region experiences harsh weather conditions, including strong winds and frequent precipitation, resulting from the confluence of the cold Antarctic currents and the warmer oceanic air. Its rugged topography, characterized by mountains and fjords, further influences local climate patterns, leading to lower temperatures. Additionally, the area has limited sunlight during the winter months, contributing to its cold climate.

You would find many cattle ranches in Argentina. The country is renowned for its beef production and has a strong ranching tradition, particularly in the Pampas region. While both Guyana and Peru have some cattle ranching, Argentina is the most prominent in South America for this industry.

The first major city of Mesoamerica was San Lorenzo, which emerged around 1200 BCE and is associated with the Olmec civilization. Located in present-day Veracruz, Mexico, San Lorenzo is renowned for its monumental stone sculptures and complex societal organization. This city played a crucial role in the development of later Mesoamerican cultures and is often considered the "mother culture" of the region. Its influence set the stage for subsequent civilizations, including the Maya and Aztecs.

The mix of peoples in Spanish America resulted from the convergence of Indigenous populations, Spanish colonizers, and later, African slaves brought through the transatlantic slave trade. This blending created a diverse cultural tapestry, characterized by a fusion of languages, traditions, and religions, often referred to as mestizaje. The social hierarchy established during colonial times placed Spaniards at the top, with mixed-race individuals and Indigenous peoples occupying varying positions below, influencing social dynamics that persist today. This multicultural heritage continues to shape the identities and cultures of modern Latin American nations.

The 23.5 degrees south latitude line, often referred to as the Tropic of Capricorn, passes through several countries. These include Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, and Australia. It also crosses through parts of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. This latitude marks the southernmost point where the sun can be directly overhead during the summer solstice.

If you walk south from the western United States, you would enter Mexico. The border between the U.S. and Mexico is located to the south of states like California and Arizona. Depending on your starting point, you could cross into various Mexican states such as Baja California or Sonora.

The Pampas, a vast grassland region in Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, is characterized primarily by its rich, fertile soil and extensive grasses. The vegetation mainly consists of tall grasses, such as feather grass and various herbaceous plants, with few trees due to the region's climate and fire conditions. This grassland ecosystem supports a diverse array of wildlife and is crucial for agriculture, particularly for cattle ranching and crop production. Overall, the Pampas is a dynamic environment shaped by both natural processes and human activity.

The development of North and South America has been shaped by diverse historical, economic, and social factors. North America, particularly the United States and Canada, has experienced significant industrialization and technological advancement, leading to a high standard of living and strong economies. In contrast, South America has faced challenges such as political instability and economic inequality, though countries like Brazil and Chile have made strides in development and growth. Both continents are characterized by rich cultural diversity and varying levels of development across regions.

The arm of the Atlantic Ocean between North and South America is known as the Caribbean Sea. It is bordered by countries such as Mexico, the United States, and several Central American nations to the northwest, while the southeastern side is bounded by the northern coast of South America. The Caribbean Sea is known for its warm waters, diverse marine life, and numerous islands. It plays a significant role in regional climate and trade.

The convergent boundary near South America is primarily formed by the Nazca Plate and the South American Plate. The Nazca Plate is an oceanic plate that is subducting beneath the continental South American Plate, leading to significant geological activity, including the uplift of the Andes Mountains and frequent earthquakes in the region. This interaction is a classic example of an oceanic-continental convergent boundary.