• Unit 5: Middle America

    Middle America is the geographic realm between the United States and the South America. It consists of three main regions: the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. The Caribbean, which is the most culturally diverse of the three regions, consists of more than 7,000 islands that stretch from the Bahamas to Barbados.

    The four largest islands of the Caribbean are the Greater Antilles: Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico. Hispaniola is made up of two halves: Haiti in the west and the Dominican Republic in the east. The smaller islands, extending all the way to South America, make up the Lesser Antilles. Trinidad is farthest south, just off the coast of Venezuela. The Bahamas are closest to the mainland United States.

    Central America refers to the seven states south of Mexico: Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. The Pacific Ocean borders Central America to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. While most of these countries have a Caribbean and a Pacific coastline, Belize has only a Caribbean coast and El Salvador has only a Pacific coast.

    In this unit, we will begin with the exploration of the physical characteristics of Middle America. We will distinguish between the Mayan and Aztec Empires, and identify the effects of European colonialism, particularly the way that Spanish colonizers influenced urban development. We will also explore the physical and cultural characteristics of each region within Middle America. Finally, we will look at regional climatology, and focus on the development and movement of tropical cyclones.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 4 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • describe the differences between the rimland and the mainland of Middle America;
      • summarize the impact of European colonialism in Middle America;
      • distinguish between the Mayan and Aztec Empires;
      • describe Spanish influence in urban development across Middle America;
      • describe the physical geography of Mexico, identifying the core and peripheral areas;
      • outline the socioeconomic classes in Mexico and explain the ethnic differences of each;
      • explain how the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and maquiladoras have influenced economic and employment situations in Mexico;
      • describe how the physical environment has affected human activity in Central America;
      • discuss how the United States has affected Middle America;
      • compare and contrast the Central American republics;
      • explain the reasons for constructing the Panama Canal;
      • describe the effect of colonialism in the Caribbean;
      • list some genres of music that emerged from the Caribbean;
      • explain how, why, and where hurricanes form; and
      • describe the potential danger of hurricanes.

    • MapCheck: Middle America

    • 5.1: Introducing Middle America

      • Introducing the Realm: Middle America URL

        This reading introduces the physical and cultural characteristics of Middle America and explores how European colonialism impacted and influenced this region, including Spanish influence in urban developments.

    • 5.2: Mexico

      • Mexico URL

        This section introduces the physical, cultural, and economic characteristics of Mexico and explores how the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and maquiladoras have influenced economic and employment situations in Mexico. It also explores how drug cartels are integrated into the Mexican economy.

      • The Dead Zone of the Gulf of Mexico Page

        The "dead zone" is an area where there isn't enough oxygen in the water to support life. Watch this video, which explores the "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico and what we can do to reverse it.

      • The Deadly Genius of Drug Cartels Page

        Watch this video, which describes and explains the violence of the drug cartels in Mexico.

    • 5.3: Central America

      • Central America URL

        This section introduces the physical, cultural, and economic characteristics of Central America, and explores how the United States has influenced Central America both economically and culturally.

      • Geoinquiry: Latin American Independence File

        In this exercise, you will explore the factors that led to the independence movement in Latin American colonies. Follow the instructions and answer the questions in this document.

    • 5.4: The Caribbean

      • The Caribbean URL

        This section introduces the physical, cultural, and economic characteristics of the countries in the Caribbean, including Cuba. It also explores how colonialism shaped culture and politics in the region.

      • World-Class Healthcare Page

        Watch this video, which explains how to offer world-class healthcare in the developing world.

    • 5.5: Hurricanes