Which ancient civilization built the city of Machu Picchu, Peru?
onstructed in the 15th century, likely as a royal estate or retreat for Emperor Pachacuti, this stunning site sits high in the Andes Mountains. Abandoned during the Spanish conquest, it remained hidden from the outside world until its rediscovery in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. Its intricate stonework and breathtaking location make it one of South America’s most iconic historical treasures.
Which South American country was the first to declare independence from Spain?
on July 5, 1811. Led by figures like Francisco de Miranda and later Simón Bolívar, the First Republic was established, though it faced immediate challenges and collapsed within a year due to internal strife and Spanish counterattacks.
What was the primary export of Brazil during the colonial period under Portuguese rule?
From the 16th to the 17th centuries, Brazil became the world’s leading sugar producer, with vast plantations along the northeast coast, particularly in regions like Pernambuco and Bahia. This economic boom relied heavily on enslaved African labor, shaping Brazil’s society and wealth. By the 18th century, sugar’s dominance waned as gold and later coffee rose in importance.
Which South American country remained a monarchy until 1889?
Unlike its neighbors, which became republics after gaining independence from Spain, Brazil was ruled by the Portuguese royal family. After declaring independence in 1822 under Emperor Dom Pedro I, it continued as the Empire of Brazil. His son, Dom Pedro II, reigned until 1889, when a military coup overthrew the monarchy, establishing a republic. This made Brazil the last monarchy in South America.
Who led Argentina and Chile to independence from Spain in the early 19th century?
José de San Martín led Argentina and Chile to independence from Spain in the early 19th century. A brilliant military strategist, he first helped Argentina secure independence in 1816 as part of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata. Then, in 1817, he led a daring crossing of the Andes with an army to liberate Chile, winning key victories like the Battle of Maipú in 1818 alongside Bernardo O’Higgins.
The Chaco War (1932–1935) was fought between which two countries?
This brutal conflict arose over control of the Gran Chaco region, a harsh, semi-arid territory believed to hold oil reserves. Bolivia, seeking a route to the Atlantic via the Paraguay River, clashed with Paraguay’s determination to defend its claimed land. Paraguay emerged victorious, gaining most of the disputed area by the war’s end in 1935.
Which European country colonized Suriname?
. Dutch control began in 1667 after they traded New Amsterdam (now New York) with the British for Suriname under the Treaty of Breda. Initially a plantation colony focused on sugar, coffee, and cotton, Suriname relied heavily on enslaved African labor. It remained under Dutch rule until gaining independence on November 25, 1975, making it one of the last South American nations to break free from colonial governance.
Which South American leader nationalized the oil industry in Venezuela in 1976?
The South American leader who nationalized the oil industry in Venezuela in 1976 was Carlos Andrés Pérez. During his first term as president (1974–1979), Pérez oversaw the nationalization of Venezuela’s oil sector on January 1, 1976, creating Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA) to manage it.
Which country lost its Pacific coastline after the War of the Pacific (1879–1883)?
Fought between Chile and an alliance of Bolivia and Peru, the war centered on control of nitrate-rich territories in the Atacama Desert. Chile’s victory resulted in Bolivia losing its coastal province of Antofagasta, leaving it landlocked ever since.
Which dictator ruled Chile from 1973 to 1990 after a foreign-supported coup?
On September 11, 1973, Pinochet led a military overthrow of socialist president Salvador Allende. His regime was marked by widespread human rights abuses, economic reforms, and authoritarian control. He stepped down in 1990 after a 1988 plebiscite rejected his continued rule, transitioning Chile back to democracy.
Which South American country was originally called "Upper Peru" before gaining independence?
Under Spanish colonial rule, Bolivia was part of the Viceroyalty of Peru and later the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, known as Alto Perú (Upper Peru). It declared independence in 1825 after years of revolutionary struggle, led by figures like Simón Bolívar and Antonio José de Sucre, and was named Bolivia in honor of Bolívar.
The Muisca people of modern-day Colombia were known for inspiring which legendary tale?
The Muisca people of modern-day Colombia were known for inspiring the legendary tale of El Dorado. Their ritual of offering gold and treasures into Lake Guatavita, where a chief covered in gold dust would dive in, fueled Spanish conquistadors’ dreams of a golden city. Living in the high plateaus of present-day Bogotá, the Muisca were skilled goldsmiths, and their wealth became the stuff of myth. This legend drove exploration—and exploitation—across South America.
Which South American country experienced a devastating earthquake in 1960, the strongest ever recorded?
Chile’s location on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it prone to seismic activity. The Great Chilean Earthquake, or Valdivia Earthquake, struck on May 22, 1960, with a magnitude of 9.5—the highest recorded globally. Centered near Valdivia, it triggered tsunamis that devastated coastal areas and even reached Hawaii and Japan, killing thousands and displacing many more.
Wanderer of the Rainforest
Oof, looks like South America’s history threw you a few curveballs! You might be new to the continent’s rich tapestry of empires, revolutions, and resilience. No worries—history is a journey, not a race. From the Inca’s mountain cities to Argentina’s tango-filled streets, there’s so much to discover. Why not brush up on some key events, like the Spanish conquest or Brazil’s monarchy, and give it another go?
Shai K.
2/25/2025
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