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Long before the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 15th century, indigenous peoples inhabited the Americas for thousands of years, rich with their own languages, cultures, and innovations. After the subsequent Spanish conquest and colonization, a new cultural heritage developed -- one that combined elements from the indigenous cultures of the Americas with that of Spain. This vibrant culture thrives today in South, Central, and North America.
In the United States, September 15–October 15 is known as Hispanic Heritage Month, and is when the achievements of Hispanics are honoured. Explore Britannica’s guide to Hispanic Heritage in the Americas to find out more about the people, places, topics, and events central to Hispanic history and culture, as well as to the Hispanic experience today.
| Important Figures
Encyclopædia Britannica examines the individuals who have shaped Hispanic Heritage with an extensive collection of biographies, including: |
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Politicians and Activists
• Cesar Chavez (pictured)
• Emiliano Zapata
• Che Guevara
• Oscar Arias Sánchez
• Alberto Gonzales
• Michelle Bachelet
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Athletes
• Roberto Clemente (pictured)
• Diego Armando Maradona
• Fernando Valenzuela
• Roberto Durán
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Conquistadores and Explorers
• Hernando de Soto (pictured)
• Juan Ponce de León
• Vasco Núñez de Balboa
• Hernán Cortés
• Pedro Menéndez de Avilés
| Culture
Encyclopædia Britannica celebrates the vibrant Hispanic culture with a variety of articles, including: |
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Holidays and Celebrations
• Cinco de Mayo (pictured)
• Day of the Dead
• Quinceañera
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Literature and Art
• Latin American literature
• Latin American art
• Frida Kahlo (pictured)
• Octavio Paz
• Gabriel García Márquez
• Sandra Cisneros
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Music and Dance
• Jarabe (pictured)
• Salsa
• Rumba
• Tango
• Mariachi
| History
Encyclopædia Britannica examines the peoples, institutions, and events throughout history that have had an effect on Hispanic culture: |
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Mesoamerica
• Aztec (pictured)
• Inca
• Maya
• Teotihuacán
• Machu Picchu
• Chichén Itzá
Viceroyalties
• Viceroyalty of New Granada
• Viceroyalty of New Spain
• Viceroyalty of Peru
• Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata
Wars and Conflict
• Falkland Islands War (pictured)
• Spanish–American War
• Battle of Ayacucho
• Cuban Missile Crisis
| Hispanic Heritage in the United States
Encyclopædia Britannica celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States with an extensive collection of biographies, articles, and documents, including: |
Foreign Policy
• Mexican War (pictured)
• Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
• Good Neighbor Policy
• Monroe Doctrine
Impact on Population and Public Policy
• Hispanics in the United States (pictured)
• Latino Voters
• National Council of Hispanic Women
• Debating Bilingual Education
Notable People
• Celia Cruz (pictured)
• Dolores Huerta
• Luis W. Alvarez
• Mario Molina
• Antonia Novello
• Tito Puente
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Brief history of the Aztec empire.
Brief history of the Inca.
The American Southwest.
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Before the Spanish conquest of Mexico and Central America, the Maya possessed one of the greatest civilizations of the Western Hemisphere. They practiced agriculture, built great stone buildings and pyramid temples, worked gold and copper, created a sophisticated calendar, and made use of a form of hieroglyphic writing.
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