Chapter 23

Question 1

What countries make up Central America?

Answer 1

Belize
Guatemala
El Salvador
Honduras
Nicaragua
Costa Rica
Panama

Question 2

How many miles long is Mexico’s border with the US?

Answer 2

Almost 2200 miles

Question 3

What is the name of the group to inhabit the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and what are they known for?

Answer 3

The Olmecs

Giant works of construction

Question 4

What group inhabited the jungles of Guatemala, Belize, and southern Mexico and what are they known for?

Answer 4

The Mayans

Planned cities, construction of pyramids, system of writing and recorded texts, accurate solar calendar

Question 5

What groups in Central America are said to still inhabit the land?

Answer 5

Mayans and Zapotecs

Question 6

What does “conquistadors” mean?

Answer 6

Conquerors

Question 7

What is the dominant religion in Central America?

Answer 7

Catholic

Question 8

Who is Miguel Hidalgo?

Answer 8

Plead for the people of Mexico to rise up for their independence in 1810

Question 9

Who is Morelos?

Answer 9

A mestizo priest whose leadership was a vital part of the effort for Mexican independence

Question 10

When was Mexico declared an independent nation?

Answer 10

September 27, 1821

Question 11

Who was Santa Anna and by whom was he defeated?

Answer 11

Mexican president

American forces lead by Sam Houston

Question 12

Who was Maximilian?

Answer 12

An Austrian archduke that ruled Mexico until he and his wife were forced out and he was executed

Question 13

What is the major religion throughout Central America and Mexico?

Answer 13

Catholic

Question 14

What is machismo?

Answer 14

Strength of men

Question 15

What is Cinco de Mayo?

Answer 15

Celebration honoring Mexican defeat of the French at Puebla in 1862

Question 16

What is masa harina and from where does it originate?

Answer 16

Cornmeal made by grinding corn kernels that have been soaked in lime
Central America

Question 17

What is nixtamal and from where does it originate?

Answer 17

Hull-less, lime-soaked corn

Central America

Question 18

What is used to make tortillas?

Answer 18

Masa harina or flour and water

Question 19

What are chalupas and from where do they originate?

Answer 19

Fried tortillas topped with refried beans, slivered meat, chopped tomatoes and onions, and grated cheese
Central America

Question 20

What are chilaquiles and from where do they originate?

Answer 20

Shredded, fried tortillas baked with chili sauce

Central America

Question 21

What are gorditas and from where do they originate?

Answer 21

Thick, small tortillas fried and slit to form a pocket that is stuffed with meats or seafood, lettuce, and cheese
Central America

Question 22

What is a tamale and from where does it originate?

Answer 22

Masa spread on cornhusks and wrapped around a filling of meat or other ingredients, and then steamed until done
Central America

Question 23

What is lard and where is it primarily used?

Answer 23

Pig fat

Central America

Question 24

What are nopales and from where do they originate?

Answer 24

Leaves of prickly pear cactus, usually pickled or fried

Central America

Question 25

What are tajaditas and from where do they originate?

Answer 25

Fried banana chips

Central America

Question 26

What is jicama and from where does it originate?

Answer 26

Brown root vegetable with crisp white interior, often served in raw slices with chili powder sprinkled on them
Central America