Answer to Question 1
Answers should mention higher fertility among the poor northern states, lower fertility in the south, higher status of women in the south.
Answer to Question 2
Following the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494, Latin America was divided between Spain and Portugal. Between 1810 and 1826 many Spanish colonies achieved their independence; initially, these were organized into two viceroyalties. Gradually, these two political divisions disintegrated, to be replaced by 16 independent modern states. Brazil gradually emerged as a modern state during the 19th century.