Mr. Burton10.3 Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina

History of Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina

•European immigrants have dominated the history and culture of Argentina.•Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, plays a large role in the country’s government and economy today.•Uruguay has been influenced by its neighbors.•Paraguay is the most rural country in the region.

•Gauchos, Argentine cowboys, herded cattle and horses on the open grasslands of the Pampas.

• 1500s: Spanish came to Argentina to find silver and gold

• Very few natives remain.

•1800s: Argentina gained independence, but violence and instability killed or drove away the Indians.

Modern Argentina•1970s: During the “Dirty War,” the government tortured and killed people believed to disagree with the government.

• New Immigrants arrived from Italy, Germany, and Spain.

Buenos Aries and Pampas• Capital• Second largest urban area in

South America• Home to most of Argentina’s

industry• Its location near coast and

Pampas has contributed to its economic development.

• Most developed agricultural region

• About 11 percent of labor force works in agriculture.

• Exports: beef, wheat, and corn

History of Uruguay•Its capital, Montevideo, close to Buenos Aires•Portugal conquered Uruguay, but Spain took over in 1770s.•Few Uruguayan Indians remained.•1825: Independence•Military governments have ruled off and on.•Today it is a democracy.

People of Uruguay •Most are descended from Europeans.•About 12 percent mestizo, Indians, or African•Mostly Roman-Catholic, Spanish- speaking•More than 90 percent live in urban areas.•High literacy rate and many good jobs

Economy of Uruguay•More than half of Uruguay’s trade is with Brazil and Argentina.•Exports beef grown on inland plains•Some limited industry•Few mineral resources•Hydroelectric power is a main source of energy.

History of Paraguay• Paraguay is landlocked, or surrounded by land with no

direct access to the ocean.• Paraguay River divides country into eastern farmland and

western ranches.• Mid-1530s: Spanish claimed country.• 1811: Independence• Today it is a democracy.

People of Paraguay• About 95 percent are mestizos.• Rest are Indians or people of European descent.• Two official languages: Spanish and Guarani, an Indian

language• Most people are Roman Catholic.• Asunción is capital and largest city.

Economy of Paraguay• Wealth and government controlled by a few rich families.• Nearly half of the country’s workers are farmers.• Many farmers grow just enough to feed themselves.• Small businesses, but not much industry• Promising resources like hydroelectricity