what impact did european explaration, colonization and empire building have on the development of latin americ

Answer 1

Most of Latin America was colonized by the time the first European settlers arrived in the 1500's. During the 1600's, the Dutch, English and French established small colonies. Spain established a system which colonists were granted large tracts of land plus the Indians who lived on the land. In return, the colonists were supposed to protect the Indians and convert them to Christianity, but instead, treated them cruelly. The Colonial rule lasted about 300 years, which created discontent, and the Latin Americans demanded greater control over their economic and political affairs.

During colonial times, Latin Americas were governed by the laws of distant monarchs and had no voice in their own affairs. When they rebelled and established their own countries, they had little experience in government. For that reason, leaders thought it unwise to establish republics in Latin America.

After achieving independence, Latin Americans soon found it was easier to set up a republican government than to make it work. The inexperience of the new leaders led to violent struggles throughout the countries. Ambitious dictators seized power in a number of countries and armies that fought for independence helped keep dictators in power. In other countries, wealthy landowners controlled the government.

The colonial rulers consisted of landowners , Roman Catholic clergy and government officials appointed by European rulers. The country suffered hardships by these powers becoming ruthless dictators. There were problems the minute Europeans tried to establish themselves in Latin America. They were greedy trying to build sugar cane and tobacco plantations, exploiting the Indians, and by their blood, is what Latin America is today, corrupt.