Chapter 10 homework

Chapter 10, Section 1


1.Agriculture, including cash crops such as coffee, bananas, sugarcane, and soybeans, is the basis of the economies of many Latin American countries. These cash crops are exported by Latin American countries to other countries.


2. Industry is still being developed in Latin America and is not heavily relied on. Since Latin American countries are so dependent on agriculture they run risks because they are depending on one or two export products. Droughts, floods, and volcanic eruptions can destroy crops, which could damage their economy


Creative Writing:
The North American Free Trade Agreement increased the flow of goods, services, and people. Trade increased and continues to grow between Mexico, North America, and Canada. In Mexico, the NAFTA has helped boost exports, increase international investment, and create new jobs. The poor people in Mexico do not feel like the NAFTA has benefited them as much as it has everyone else.

Chapter 10, Section 2


1. Deforestation and slash-and-burn farming, to make more room to grow and to prepare land for crops, have caused centuries-old rain forests to disappear in just a few years.


2. Rapid urban growth will create environmental challenges for Latin American cities. Rural workers migrate to cities and are forced to live in slums which are makeshift communities at the edges of cities. The slums are often destroyed by mud slides, floods, and other natural disasters. Disease spreads rapidly in slums because of unsanitary conditions.


Creative Writing:
Latin America has faced territorial conflicts over disputed regions involving strategic locations or the rights to valuable natural resources. Border wars divert resources that might be used for better development. Because of Latin America’s physical geography, it is vulnerable to natural disasters. They have been many devastating hurricanes in Central America and the Caribbean which destroyed houses and agriculture.