-How did the experience of colonialism affect Latin American Essay

-How did the experience of colonialism affect Latin American development and was this overcome with independence - Essay Example Independence of the once colony regions dictates the process in which the country will eventually develop (Brown & Paquette, 2013, p 19). In some extends, independence actively pushes the region towards positive development whereas in other scenarios, it retards the development, plunging the region into a world of chaos. This study leads towards understanding the impacts of colonization and influence of independent in postcolonial Latin America. The origin of the term Latin America is itself an illustration of the influence of colonialism in the southerner region of America. The region got the name from the establishment that its colonizing powers were the Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries. The region encompasses present day countries such as the islands of Suriname, Jamaica, Haiti and Guyana, as well as, Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Paraguay and southern part of the United States (Andrien, 2002, p 67). Before the arrival of these influential powers from Europe, the region in the 15th and early 16th centuries consisted of virtually indigenous people. Additionally, it is notable that the region had vastly advanced civilizations, although not to the sophistication level as was the European countries at the time. Some of the notable cultures regarded as advanced include the Aztec, Inca and Maya cultures, and origins of the people. However, through the processes of arrival of the foreigners who later colonized the region, it underwent several changes, experiences, and consequences, emerging as the Latin America region (Galeano & Belfrage, 1998, p 87). The impacts and influences of the colonial period on the region are vast. Additionally, the year also formulated the basis for the establishment of the independence wars and eventual independence of the region. During the colonial period, the immigration activity within the region consisted of mainly