Abstract This paper traces the origins and developments of the Aztec Empire from their humble roots in southern Mexico. The author traces their developments over some 1000 years.
From the Paper "The Aztecs were Central American Indian people who invaded central and southern Mexico and took control. As they grew in political status, they became sophisticated and civilized, learning from established peoples who had been town dwellers for more than 1,000 years. There are many myths and legends concerning these people called the Aztecs (Mayo 49). Some people describe the pyramids they built, the wars they waged and the human sacrifices they made. It has been said that their Emperor Montezuma was terrible and savage in his deeds (49). The Aztecs had a great civilization with a wealthy and diverse history. Fortunately, much of this history was preserved and recorded for us by early priest, conquistadors, Spanish chroniclers, and the Aztec themselves (49). "
Abstract This paper takes a look at the immigration, assimilation, integration and multiculturalism of Hispanic Americans. The author describes the difficulty they experience with regard to integration into American society and their contributions to the development of American culture.
From the Paper "Hispanic Americans are Americans of Spanish origin or Spanish-speaking descent. The terms "Hispanic" and "Latino" refer to a group of Americans who share common cultural origins and language. However, Hispanic Americans come from diverse nations and backgrounds with distinctive histories and distinctive socio-economic and political experiences (Who are, 1996). Hispanic Americans are the blend of various ethnic groups, including European, African, and American Indian. Three major Hispanic groups in America are Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Cuban Americans."
Abstract The paper talks about the Panama Canal Treaties, why they are important to the U.S. and how we benefit from them. It further examines how President Carter was able to influence the Senate and the American people to get them to support two treaties.
From the Paper "On September 7, 1977 President Jimmy Carter signed two treaties with Panamanian General Omar Torrijos. The first treaty, known as The Panama Canal Treaty, provided for the slow transfer of the canal and Canal Zone to Panama by December 31, 1999. Both nations under this treaty would work together to make sure that the canal operated efficiently and uninterrupted. The second treaty, known as the Neutrality Treaty, dealt with permanent neutrality and operation of the canal. Critics of The Panama Canal treaty argued that the treaty does not mention what military action the United States can take if the canal was threatened. They also argued that the Neutrality Treaty does not contain a cause for U.S. and Panamanian joint defense. Before the treaty became law it faced a tough battle for passage in the Senate."
Abstract This paper considers constitutional and moral limits to the powers granted to the American President under executive privilege, especially as concerns President Kennedy's actions during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The author examines the impacts of the misuses of power with special reference to this example.
From the Paper "It is often said that the President of the United States is the most powerful person in the world. But is that true? What are the powers of the president, for example, in a crisis situation? And how far can he push his authority? In some cases, the Constitution is very vague about the powers of the president;Article II, section 1 states simply: "The executive Power shall be vested in the President of the United States." Article II, section 3 states that the president "shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed." Whatever the intent of this vagueness, future generations would be left to argue the case for or against giving more power to the president, depending on the situation. These powers, as interpreted over time, are inherent powers."
Abstract This paper discusses the various aspects, circumstances, and effects of female sterilization in Puerto Rico, one of the most effectual and prevalent examples of a eugenics program throughout history whereby almost one-third of Puerto Rico's female population were sterilized under the banner of birth control.
From the Paper "The historic and social conditions--medical, political, legal, and religious?that were conducive to the mass sterilization movement in Puerto Rico are significant. For decades, the United States blamed overpopulation for economic problems, unemployment, and poverty in Puerto Rico, while ignoring the fact that they (the U.S) have played an enormous role in generating and solidifying these conditions (Michaelson 1981). As a result, non-official programs with the intent of distributing birth control information and educating families about the need for practices were implemented in the 1920s (Presser 1973). With the population of Puerto Rico being over eighty percent Catholic, providing these services to prevent pregnancy was a felony until the 1930s. This strong opposition from the Catholic Church, unfavorable legal status of birth control, a disinterested public, and insufficient federal funding from the United States, prevented these early programs from becoming triumphant."
Abstract This paper provides an overview of the economic past, present, and future of Brazil, the most economically productive South American country. The author discusses how the government learned from past mistakes, rather than produce very few goods, the country learned to diversify production and utilize its resources successfully. The paper also examines Brazil's financial standing internationally, in the world markets, and how its growing population is strengthening the economy.
From the Paper "The Federal Republic of Brazil, commonly known as Brazil , is the largest country in South America . It is the fifth most populated country in the world, and still growing quickly. Almost half of that population is under twenty years old. Within its borders are annually flooded lowlands the make for very fertile farming land, highlands that are cover with winding rivers, and the famous Amazon River . With all its natural resources, Brazil is the most powerful and productive country, economically, in South America ; Brazil is also quickly growing to be a major player in world markets. Many major countries, including the US and much of Europe , depend on the exports of Brazil . It is for this reason that Brazil 's economic future is of much importance. (Britannica.com) Even though the past has been full of instability and volatility, changes have been, and are being, made. Thanks to these changes, the future holds more promise for a stable, normal progression."
Abstract This paper presents an in-depth study of the changing roles of Spanish speaking females over the last thirty years in their native nations. The author examines women movements and changes in Mexico and Latin America over the past three decades and discusses what has changed and what has remained constant.
From the Paper "During the last 30 years the women's movement in the United States of America revolutionized the way women were treated. Women get more pay, they get more rights, and they are moving into careers that were formally reserved for men. While the world watched the American movement other movements began to take place. Hispanic women have historically been treated like second-class citizens in many areas of life. In Latin nations as well as Mexico the females have been given a different set of rules to abide by both socially and economically. The last thirty years in these nations have tested the very core of the value systems that have been in place for hundreds and thousands of years. The systems have been supported and founded in the belief that men are somehow better than women and that women are there for the comfort of men. This is not to say that they were not treated with kindness and appreciation, they were, they were just not treated as equals in many areas of their societies."
Abstract This essay discusses the story of the US immigrant, Elian Gonzalez. The author examines how immigrants are usually treated in the United States and concludes that Elian's story does not correspond to most immigrants' stories.
From the Paper "If the story of Elian Gonzalez were typical of the experiences of all immigrants to the United States at the turn of this century, then it would reflect in a fairly realistic way on how Americans should greet their immigrants ? with a sense that each newcomer to our shores brings with him or her an entire world of potential contributions to the economy and culture of the country, just as so many immigrants have done before. "
Abstract This essay looks at purpose of the pre-colonial economy in Latin America and the methods employed by the Spaniards to control the natives and production under colonization. It examines the diverse population the Spaniards found upon arrival, and how the Spaniards simply superimposed themselves upon existing structures. The four main labour systems used by the Spanish are outlined. The exploitation based on the economic systems implementated by the Spaniards is explored.
From the Paper "The process of colonization within any one country or group of countries was conditioned by the pre-existing historical circumstances and the attractiveness of its resources to the colonisers. In turn, these affected the degree of exploitation and the nature of the developments that took place and consequently the level of marginalisation that occurred within the economy and society. The conquest of Latin America was carried out by the Spanish, Portuguese, French, Dutch and British. But it was Spain who secured the largest, richest and most diverse territory, and did so with great rapidity. Within 70 years of Columbus's arrival in the Caribbean, Spain had overthrown the Aztec and Inca empires and occupied most of middle and western South America."
Abstract This paper examines the history of Latin American music and the influence it has had on American culture, looking at the particular forms that have had the most influence as well as some of the particular personalities that have been the most influential in bringing Latin American music to the United States.
From the Paper ?It would be hard to find any area of 20th-century American pop music ? and now 21st century ? that has not been affected by Latin American music, including Tin Pan Alley, stage and film music, jazz, rhythm and blues, country music, and rock (Roberts, 1998, p. 14). The musical voices of Brazil, Cuba, and Mexico have made their way into each of these American forms, which have been influenced not only by Latin American rhythms and musical forms but also by individual musicians and bandleaders who came to play an important role in shaping American culture (Roberts, 1998, p. 19).?
Abstract The following paper looks at the combined elements of chaotic transition and developmental diversification that have traditionally hovered over the Dominican Republic . The author explores the continuing influence and effect that have resulted from the merging of these divergent factors.
From the Paper "The same white beaches and blue waters that drew Columbus to discover the shores of the Dominican Republic some five hundred years ago continue to draw the interest and attention of modern researchers and writers. In recent years, a wealth of information has been studied and published regarding the various factors that have historically shaped the political, societal and economic cultures of this Caribbean country as well as the forces and influences that continue to affect it today."
Abstract This paper looks at the biography about Fidel Castro written by reporter Tad Szulc who spent many years following his life. The writer shows that the book presents a very balanced view of Castro as well as showing new sides of him not previously reported.
From the Paper "Tad Szulc is a veteran New York Times reporter who first came to know Castro in 1959 while covering a story. Over the years, he has continued reporting on Castro. Szulc has interviewed Castro on many occasions and also interviewed his friends, past friends and his enemies. He was given unprecedented access by both the Cuban government, and by Castro himself, to conduct his research for the book. The book really gets inside the events rather than just reporting from the outside."
Abstract This paper profiles a typical Latin American revolution and examines why these countries are so susceptible to these uprisings. It addresses the historical, social & cultural variables of a revolution and the possible moves to democracy. It also examines a few of the successful Latin American democracies and asks what makes them prosper.
From the Paper "Revolution is a sudden, forcible change of the political and social order often accompanied by violence, in which a significant section (not always a majority) of the population participates. Revolution usually occurs when a general climate of discontent exists in a society. A modern historian, Craine Brinton, has analyzed the conditions in a society ripe for revolution and saw a pre-Revolutionary society as ?having a combination of social and political tensions, caused by a gradual breakdown of the values of a society.?"
Abstract Cold Stone Creamery is a ice cream parlor concept that is considering expanding operations into Mexico. This paper enumerates upon the purpose, objectives, questions and finally recounts the focus group interaction. This interaction is followed up with secondary research and commentary on these findings.
From the Paper "The purpose of the focus group was to obtain information regarding the Cold Stone Creamery brand and the products and services they offer. The information gained from this research can be used to assist in ascertaining the feasibility of expansion into Mexico. Currently, the company does not have any franchises internationally1. "
Abstract The paper shows that the most crucial globalization-related process in Mexico is the proliferation of maquiladoras - instruments for the exploitation of Mexican workers and the Mexican environment by multinational corporations. The paper concludes that globalization may be less to blame that the fact that the Mexican elites have been willing to pay any price to attract investment.
From the Paper "Latin America presents a whole range of 'third world' countries which have adopted policies which have made them much more open to global capitalism. In almost every Latin American nation during the course of the 1980s, the economy was decisively altered on the assumption that participation in the global economy was the key to a steady rise to 'first world' status. However, not one Latin American country has made the leap. Mexico, whose efforts began in 1982, deserves attention as the country where such efforts have been consistently tried for twenty years. Mexico has been described, with justice, as 'a country living on a faultline of globalisation' (Loyes)."
