Which of the following helps to explain why privileged elites in Latin America held more political and economic power than elites in the United States?
A) There were fewer immigrants to Latin America,so old colonial elites had no challengers.
B) Large estate holders in Latin America controlled far more of the richest lands to produce export crops.
C) There were fewer Amerindian and peasant uprisings in Latin America,and fewer challenges to the ruling elites.
D) The threat of revolts in the homesteader frontiers in Latin America created the need for stronger central government.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Large estate holders in Latin America controlled the most fertile land in the region, which was used for producing cash crops for export, like coffee and sugar cane. This made them very wealthy and gave them immense economic power, which they used to influence politics and maintain their position of privilege. In comparison, the wealthy elites in the United States held their power through industry and finance rather than control of land.

Which of the Following Helps to Explain Why Privileged Elites