George Canning served as British Foreign Secretary from 1793-1827 and worked to advance Britain's economic interests in Latin America during its independence movements. He sent consular officials to recognize the new republics in order to safeguard British trade. Canning also aimed to keep South America aligned with Britain rather than allowing French influence to grow. Economic ties between Britain and Latin America subsequently intensified as the costs of shipping fell and companies began investing in industries like railways across Latin America. Latin America also experienced wars of independence like the 12-year Haitian revolution, which developed into a race war between social classes.

1. Modern Latin America Karee Ann Klein

2. Britain and Latin America George Canning British Foreign Secretary Served in politics from 1793-1827, when he became Prime Minister Canning advanced Britain’s economic interests during the period of Latin America independence Canning sent out consular officials to recognize the new republics and therefore safeguard Britain's economic interests He worked to keep South America in the hands of the British rather than have them turn to the French

3. Britain and Latin America Economic links between Latin America and Britain intensified The cost of shipping items began to fall Exporting bulkier products like wheat became possible The supply of credit, insurance, transport, and marking facilities expanded Companies began investing in the Stock Exchange They invested in railways, public utilities, and commercial banking

4. Latin America’s Wars Haitian War for Independence Lasted 12 years, 1791-1803 Developed into a race war Privileged white planters, underprivileged mixed race (affranchis), and dominant pure blacks fought against each other The affranchis wanted liberties given to all citizens in the French Revolution Many people ran to Cuba to escape the war This war had the most racial overtones of all the wars in Latin America

5. Latin America’s Wars There was class system in Latin America that sparked conflict Exalted Europeans Gave lesser privileges to the American-born pure-blooded whites Repressed all other races Creoles lacked political opportunities Mercantilism stagnated economic development throughout the world Trade was exclusive and monopolistic Conducted by only Europeans in European ships

6. The Second World Mexico The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) did not benefit Mexico Now Mexico cannot lead an independent Latin America Mexico is not dependent on America America and Mexico will continue to suffer until Mexico is pulled out of the second world

7. The Second World Venezuela Venezuela could become a major energy provider Gas is cheaper than water in Venezuela There are potentially 300 million barrels of crude oil in the central Ornico oil belt If harvested, this would make Venezuela a larger oil producer than Saudi Arabia Hugo Chavez only allows China, Russia, Iran, Brazil, and Indonesia access

8. The Second World Colombia Colombia is a very divided society It is split by three mountain ranges The Pacific coast and the Amazonian Llanos region are the most deprived economically 60% of the population lives in poverty War on drugs Colombia ironically supports America’s “war on drugs” Drug cartels make deals across borders easier than governments do

9. The Second World Brazil “Brazil is the United States of South America” Its size makes it the continent’s natural leader It borders every country except Chile and Ecuador Over 80% of the continent’s top 500 companies are Brazilian It is the world’s largest exporter beef, oranges, sugar, coffee, poultry, pork, and soy

10. Sonia Osorio Sonia Osorio was a Colombian ballet dancer and choreographer She was born in 1928 and recently passed away in March of 2011 Osorio founded the Colombia Ballet in 1960 Ballet company that incorporates native dances, styles, and rhythms of Colombia with ballet

11. Sofia Vergara Colombian actress, comedian, television host, model, and entrepreneur She was discovered while walking on a Colombian beach She then became a model, despite her strict Catholic upbringing She dropped out of college to support her son, mother, and younger siblings when her father left her family She currently stars on ABC’s Modern Family