The Americas High School Questions

Help students understand the Americas through these essay and discussion questions.

Questions

  1. How has European colonization shaped the region throughout history? How does European colonization continue to influence the region today?
  2. How have the experiences of the indigenous people of the United States differed from those in Latin America? 
  3. How can the Spanish–American War be understood as a turning point in United States foreign policy?
  4. What factors have led to the United States being the dominant economic power in the region?
  5. What challenges are faced by Latin America having a “goldilocks” of populations (not too young nor too old)?
  6. In what ways is democracy in the region under threat?
  7. How is immigration presenting challenges to countries in the region?
  8. Has the United States been overly interventionist pursuing its political and economic goals in Latin America? Why or why not? 
  9. How is drug-related crime affecting the region? 
  10. What effect is China’s growing presence having on economic, political, and social systems in the region?
  11. Why does climate change disproportionately affect vulnerable populations throughout the region?