Dominant Cultural Influences:
* Indigenous Cultures: In the absence of European colonization, the vast array of pre-Columbian indigenous cultures would have continued to evolve and thrive. Some possibilities:
* Aztec Empire: Had the Aztecs remained unchallenged, their culture, centered around advanced agriculture, complex social structures, and intricate religious beliefs, might have spread throughout Mesoamerica.
* Inca Empire: The Inca Empire, known for its efficient administration, sophisticated road system, and elaborate textile arts, could have potentially expanded further, exerting its influence across the Andes.
* Mayan Civilization: The Maya, renowned for their advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and writing, could have continued their development and possibly spread their cultural influence further.
* Other Powerful Indigenous Groups: The Chibcha in Colombia, the Guarani in Paraguay, and the Mapuche in Chile, among others, might have gained greater prominence and contributed their unique cultural elements.
* Possible External Influences:
* African Trade: It's possible that trade routes with Africa, existing even before European arrival, could have intensified. This could have brought new religious beliefs, cultural practices, and artistic expressions to the region.
* Asian Influences: Trade routes linking Asia and the Americas through the Bering Strait existed in ancient times. This might have led to a resurgence of these connections, bringing cultural exchange and new ideas.
* Oceanic Influences: The possibility of pre-Columbian voyages across the Pacific Ocean, though disputed, remains intriguing. If such voyages existed, they could have brought new cultural influences from Polynesia or other Pacific islands.
Potential Cultural Differences:
* Language: Spanish and Portuguese wouldn't dominate. The region would be a patchwork of indigenous languages, perhaps with some of the languages like Nahuatl (Aztec) or Quechua (Inca) becoming lingua francas.
* Religion: Catholicism wouldn't be the dominant religion. Indigenous beliefs, animistic practices, and possibly other external religious influences would prevail.
* Architecture: The region wouldn't feature Spanish colonial architecture. Instead, buildings would reflect indigenous architectural styles, perhaps incorporating elements from other cultures.
* Art and Music: Indigenous art forms, music, and storytelling would likely flourish, influenced by the unique cultural expressions of different groups.
* Political Structure: The region's political landscape would be very different. It might be composed of a patchwork of independent nations, regional alliances, or even a powerful indigenous empire dominating a large part of the continent.
Challenges and Uncertainties:
* Disease: It's impossible to know how the introduction of European diseases might have affected indigenous populations in this alternate scenario. The impact could have been devastating, potentially leading to cultural decline and collapse.
* Internal Conflicts: The absence of European intervention doesn't guarantee peace and unity. Intertribal conflicts, territorial disputes, and struggles for power would likely have existed, potentially leading to significant changes in the cultural landscape.
Conclusion:
The cultural landscape of Latin America without Spanish and Portuguese colonization would be a fascinating tapestry woven from the threads of diverse indigenous cultures, potentially influenced by other external contacts. It would be a vibrant and unique world, vastly different from the region we know today.