The art and science of cultivating land for crops or livestock; this process allowed for sophisticated civilizations to develop specialized technology, calendars, math, etc.

Civilization that lacks permanent settlement; the plains led to several groups following Bison for survival, leading to their decline as settlers over hunted and developed the region.

Bright bands of color in the sky near the North Pole; it was seen by the Inuit as the spirits of ancestors and animals, shaping their religion and relationship with the environment.

Establish control over a foreign land and culture; Europeans colonized North America, completely altering the political and cultural geography of the continent.

A conflict of arms between two or more large groups; past conflicts have shaped the political and cultural geography of North America, even in current times.

Material taken from the earth by people and used to survive or trade; much of the North American economy is based on the extraction, use, and trade of these materials.

Business based on travelers from other areas; many North American countries are economically reliant on this and are developing new ways to utilize it.

North American Free Trade Agreement between Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. which has led to increased trade and lower prices among the nations; however critics say it is costing jobs as well.

The use of non-military violence or threats of violence to achieve a political goal; following the 9/11 attacks this has been a growing concern throughout North America.

Movement of people into a new nation; large numbers of people from poorer regions have moved into wealthier nations legally and illegally causing tension between nations.

Person who flees their home to escape natural disasters or oppression; both Canada and the U.S. have seen large numbers arrive from all over the world.

Transportation and sale of illegal goods; the movement of drugs across borders has created tension between the U.S. and Mexico.

Gradual change of weather patterns worldwide; nations of North America have pledged to limit carbon emissions in the next few decades to combat this.

Empire in South America that adjusted to life in the mountains by building roadways and stopping points to control a vast region throughout the Northern Andes Mountains.

The merging of various religions into one practiced faith; slaves brought from Africa combined their religious practices with Christian ones, creating a unique religious culture in Brazil.

South American cowboy; Argentina still celebrates the cowboy and their culture as a symbol of national pride.

Season in the Christian religion with many parties, the largest is in Rio de Janeiro; this event has combined religion and secularism to generate massive revenue for the city and nation.

Granted exclusive rights for Portugal and Spain to colonize South America; this led to the creation of current languages, writing, and religious practices in the region.

People of mixed European and Native ancestry; this group makes up a majority of several nations and helped spread Western ideals, as well as gain the region its independence.

Conflict of ideologies between the U.S. and U.S.S.R.; communist gov’ts in the region faced U.S. backed revolts that put ruthless dictators in power, leading to atrocities still being investigated.

The process of handing ownership of a company over to the government; some nations have done this successfully, helping their people, others have done it poorly, hurting their people.

The process of handing ownership of a company to individuals; this has led to more efficient production, but has alse caused higher unemployment and costs of goods and services.

The process of people moving into cities; South America is highly urbanized and still developing, leading to issues like job insecurity, low wages, and less access to electricity and water.

The process of clearing trees faster than they can replenish; increased industry and farming have led to rapid loss of the rainforest in South America leading to more pollution.

An international promise to reduce carbon emissions; some South American nations have made promises to reduce emissions, while others criticize it as unfair to poor nations.