Final answer:
The modern history of Latin America, from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s, is marked by the cultural movement of Modernismo and the formation of national identities through art and literature, influenced by both local tradition and European avant-garde styles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Modern History of Latin America
The term Latin America was first used by the Colombian intellectual José María Torres Caicedo in 1856. The modern history of Latin America is distinguished by significant cultural, political, and social events from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. This period witnessed the rise of Modernismo, a movement initially associated with literature that later extended to embody artistic expression reflecting a distinctive Latin American identity. Influenced by European academies in Paris, Madrid, and London, Latin American artists who studied abroad eventually returned to their home countries, melding international modernist styles with local themes and traditions, thereby contributing to the unique cultural tapestry of the region.
During this time, Latin America experienced a series of revolutions which charted the course for many nations' independence and formation of new governments. Cultural movements like Surrealism also began to take hold during the early to mid-20th century, further shaping the region's unique artistic and literary landscape.