History of South America in Timeline

South America is a continent located almost entirely in the Southern and Western Hemispheres. It is also considered the southern subregion of the Americas, encompassing diverse geography, cultures, and history.

1900: South America post-1900

Relative to other continents, post-1900 South America has been a peaceful continent with few wars, though violent crime remains a concern.

1902: Brazil Acquires Acre

In 1902, Brazil acquired the Acre territory from Bolivia after a small conflict.

1913: Buenos Aires subte opened

In 1913, the Buenos Aires subte (subway) opened, marking the first metro system in South America.

1916: Copa América contested

Since 1916, South America is home to the longest-running international football tournament, the Copa América.

1917: Brazil Joins World War I

In 1917, Brazil declared war on the Central Powers and joined the Allied side in World War I, sending a small fleet and troops to Europe. Brazil was the only South American country that participated in the First World War.

1919: Birth of Oswaldo Guayasamín

In 1919, Oswaldo Guayasamín, an artist from Ecuador known for highlighting social injustices, was born.

1930: First edition in Uruguay

In 1930, Uruguay hosted the first edition of the FIFA World Cup.

1930: Economic Growth and Diversification

Since 1930, the South American continent has experienced growth and diversification in most economic sectors, with agricultural product exports essential for trade balance.

1932: Colombia and Peru Conflict and Paraguay Declares War on Bolivia

In 1932, Colombia and Peru engaged in a short armed conflict over territory in the Amazon. Also in 1932, Paraguay declared war on Bolivia for possession of the Chaco region.

1932: Birth of Fernando Botero

In 1932, Fernando Botero, a Colombian painter and sculptor known for his distinctive style, was born.

1941: Peru and Ecuador Fight for Territories

Between 1941 and 1942, Peru and Ecuador fought over territories claimed by both countries, which were annexed by Peru, altering Ecuador's border with Brazil.

1942: Peru and Ecuador Fight for Territories

Between 1941 and 1942, Peru and Ecuador fought over territories claimed by both countries, which were annexed by Peru, altering Ecuador's border with Brazil.

1942: Brazil Declares War on Axis Powers in World War II

In 1942, after numerous attacks on Brazilian ships by German forces, Brazil declared war on the Axis powers, becoming the only South American country to fight in both World Wars. Brazil sent naval and air forces to combat German and Italian submarines and an expeditionary force to fight in the Italian Campaign.

1950: Brazil hosted the tournament

In 1950, Brazil hosted the FIFA World Cup.

1962: Chile hosted the tournament

In 1962, Chile hosted the FIFA World Cup.

1964: Beginning of Internal Conflict in Colombia

In 1964, an ongoing, though diminished, internal conflict began in Colombia with the creation of Marxist guerrillas (FARC-EP), later involving various illegal armed groups and drug lords' private armies.

1978: Argentina hosted the tournament

In 1978, Argentina hosted the FIFA World Cup.

1978: First edition of the South American Games

In 1978, the first edition of the South American Games was held in La Paz.

1982: Angra I connected to the power grid

In 1982, Angra I, a pressurized water reactor with a capacity of 657 MW, was connected to Brazil's power grid.

1982: Argentina Invades Falkland Islands

In 1982, Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands, a British dependent territory, leading to the Falklands War which concluded 74 days later with Argentina's surrender.

1982: Argentina-UK War

In 1982, a war was fought between Argentina and the UK following an Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands, ending with an Argentine defeat.

1990: South America Deforestation Rate

In 1990, South America had a deforestation rate of 8.24 million ha.

1991: Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation Agreement

In 1991, Brazil and Argentina signed a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement to promote collaboration in nuclear energy.

1995: Cenepa War

In 1995, the Cenepa War occurred between Ecuador and Peru along their mutual border, marking the last international war fought on South American soil.

1995: Inaugural South American Cricket Championship

In 1995, the South American Cricket Championship, an international one-day cricket tournament, was established. It features national teams from South America and invited sides from North America and other regions.

1998: Economic Crisis in Brazil and Argentina

Between 1998 and 2002, Brazil and Argentina experienced an economic crisis leading to recession, rising unemployment, and falling income.

1998: Election of Hugo Chávez in Venezuela

Starting in 1998 with the election of Hugo Chávez in Venezuela, the region experienced a pink tide, characterized by the election of several leftist and center-left administrations in most countries, except the Guianas and Colombia.

1999: Death of Oswaldo Guayasamín

In 1999, Oswaldo Guayasamín, an artist from Ecuador known for highlighting social injustices, passed away.

2000: Agrarian Communities Settled

By 2000 BC, agrarian communities were settled throughout the Andes, fishing became widespread, and irrigation systems were developed.

2000: Angra II connected in 2000

In 2000, Angra II, a nuclear reactor with a capacity of 1,350 MW, was connected to Brazil's power grid.

2000: South America Deforestation Rate

In 2000, South America had a deforestation rate of 8.24 million ha.

2002: Economic Crisis in Brazil and Argentina

Between 1998 and 2002, Brazil and Argentina experienced an economic crisis leading to recession, rising unemployment, and falling income.

2005: Tourism Promotion Negotiations

In 2005, negotiations began in the tourism sector to promote tourism and increase air connections within the South American region.

2006: Colombia's Gold Production

Between 2006 and 2017, Colombia produced 15 tonnes of gold per year until 2007, when its production increased significantly.

2006: Brazil became self-sufficient in oil

In 2006, Brazil achieved self-sufficiency in oil production, significantly reducing its dependence on imported petroleum.

2007: Colombia's Gold Production Increases

Between 2006 and 2017, Colombia produced 15 tonnes of gold per year until 2007, when its production increased significantly.

2007: Brazil self-sufficient in oil

In 2007, Brazil maintained its self-sufficiency in oil, continuing a trend that began the previous year.

2012: Colombia's Gold Production Record

In 2012, Colombia extracted 66.1 tonnes of gold, breaking a record for gold production in the country.

2013: Brazil's Textile Industry

In 2013, Brazil was among the five largest producers of textiles in the world, although its textile industry still lacks proper integration in the world trade.

2013: Southeast Region used about 50% of the load of the National Integrated System (SIN)

In 2013, the Southeast Region of Brazil consumed approximately 50% of the National Integrated System's load, making it the country's largest energy-consuming region.

2013: Part of Religions in South America

The text references 'Religions in South America' (2013), possibly an article, study, or other publication.

2013: South American Cricket Championship frequency

Until 2013, the South American Cricket Championship was typically held every two seasons; currently it's played annually.

2014: Brazil hosted the tournament

In 2014, Brazil hosted the FIFA World Cup.

2014: Ecuador, was the 22nd largest exporter of oil

In 2014, Ecuador was the 22nd largest exporter of oil.

2014: South American Games

In 2014, the South American Games took place in Santiago.

2015: Bolivia stand out in the production of natural gas

In 2015, Bolivia was the 31st largest producer of natural gas in the world.

2015: Top ten largest South American metropolitan areas by population

In 2015, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia maintained the largest populations.

2015: Colombia was the 19th largest exporter of petroleum

In 2015, Colombia was ranked as the 19th largest exporter of petroleum worldwide.

2015: South America Deforestation Rate

In 2015, South America had the highest annual deforestation rate of any region, with 4.22 million hectares.

2015: Venezuela was one of the world's largest oil producers

In 2015, Venezuela was among the world's largest oil producers, yielding about 2.5 million barrels per day.

2015: Venezuela's Oil Production

Venezuela had a big drop in oil production after 2015 (where it produced 2.5 million barrels / day), falling in 2018 to 1.4 million and in 2019 to 877 thousand, due to lack of investment.

2016: Brazil hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics

In 2016, Brazil hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics, marking a significant event for South America.

2016: Brazil's Production of Pulp and Paper

In 2016, Brazil was the 2nd largest producer of pulp and the 8th largest producer of paper.

2016: Rio de Janeiro hosted first Olympic Games

In 2016, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, hosted the first Olympic Games in South America.

2016: Venezuela's oil production drops to 2.2 million barrels/day

In 2016, Venezuela's oil production decreased to 2.2 million barrels per day due to political issues.

2017: Argentina was the 18th largest producer of natural gas in the world

In 2017, Argentina was the 18th largest producer of natural gas globally and the largest in Latin America.

2017: Colombia's Silver Production

In 2017, Colombia extracted 52.2 tonnes of gold and 15.5 tonnes of silver.

2017: Venezuela's oil production drops to 2 million barrels/day

In 2017, Venezuela's oil production continued to decline, reaching 2 million barrels per day.

2017: The 10 busiest airports in South America

In 2017, the 10 busiest airports in South America were: São Paulo-Guarulhos, Bogotá, São Paulo-Congonhas, Santiago, Lima, Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires-Aeroparque, Buenos Aires-Ezeiza, and Minas Gerais.

2018: Natural Gas Production in South America in 2018

In 2018, Argentina produced 1524 bcf of natural gas, Venezuela 946, Brazil 877, Bolivia 617, Peru 451, and Colombia 379.

2018: Argentina's Beef Production and Brazil's Milk Production

In 2018, Argentina was the fourth-largest producer of beef, with 3 million tonnes, and Brazil was the third-largest world producer of milk, with 35 billion liters.

2018: Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires

In 2018, Buenos Aires, Argentina, hosted the Youth Olympic Games.

2018: South American Coal Producers

In 2018, Colombia (12th) and Brazil (27th) were among the 30 largest world producers of coal.

2018: Colombia was the world's 12th largest producer and the 5th largest exporter of coal

In 2018, Colombia was recognized as the world's 12th largest producer and 5th largest exporter of coal.

2018: Venezuela's oil production drops to 1.4 million barrels/day

In 2018, Venezuela's oil production further decreased to 1.4 million barrels per day.

2018: Brazil's Chemical Industry

In 2018, the chemical industry of Brazil was the 8th largest in the world.

2018: Venezuela's Oil Production

Venezuela had a big drop in oil production after 2015 (where it produced 2.5 million barrels / day), falling in 2018 to 1.4 million and in 2019 to 877 thousand, due to lack of investment.

2019: Manufacturing Value Ranking

According to the 2019 list, Brazil has the thirteenth most valuable industry in the world (US$174 billion).

2019: Argentina's World Production Rankings in 2019

In 2019, Argentina was the 4th largest world producer of lithium, the 9th largest world producer of silver, the 17th largest world producer of gold, and the 7th largest world producer of boron.

2019: Brazil had 217 hydroelectric plants in operation

In 2019, Brazil operated 217 hydroelectric plants, providing 60.16% of the country's energy with an installed capacity of 98,581 MW. That same year, Brazil reached a total of 170,000 megawatts of installed power generation capacity, of which more than 75% are from renewable sources.

2019: Brazil was the 10th largest oil producer in the world

In 2019, Brazil ranked as the 10th largest oil producer globally, producing 2.8 million barrels per day.

2019: Oil Production in Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia in 2019

In 2019, Brazil was the 10th largest oil producer, Venezuela the 21st, and Colombia the 22nd. Venezuela had a significant drop in production, producing 877 thousand barrels/day due to lack of investment.

2019: Brazil's Chicken Meat Exports and Pork Production

In 2019, Brazil was the world's largest exporter of chicken meat, exporting 3.8 million tonnes, and the 4th largest pork producer, with almost 4 million tonnes.

2019: Brazil's Manufacturing Sectors in 2019

In 2019, Brazil's manufacturing sector includes automobiles, steel, petrochemicals, computers, aircraft (Embraer), food, pharmaceutical, footwear, metallurgy and consumer durables. In the food industry, Brazil was the second largest exporter of processed foods in the world. Brazil ranked 4th among world producers in the footwear industry and was the 8th largest producer of vehicles and the 9th largest producer of steel in the world.

2019: Venezuela's oil production drops to 877 thousand barrels/day

In 2019, Venezuela's oil production plummeted to 877 thousand barrels per day, with production hitting as low as 300,000 barrels/day at one point.

2019: Solar power represented 1.27% of the energy generated in the country

In 2019, solar power accounted for 1.27% of the total energy generated in Brazil.

2019: Wind energy represented 9% of the energy generated in the country

In 2019, wind energy accounted for 9% of Brazil's total energy generation.

2020: Genetic research in 2020

According to a genetic research in 2020, Peruvian genetic admixture indicates 63,7% Amerindian, 29,6% European, 4,8% African ancestry and 2,9% Asian.

2020: Argentina ranked 27th in wind energy production

In 2020, Argentina's renewable energy rankings included 27th in wind energy (2.6 GW), 42nd in solar energy (0.7 GW), and 21st in hydroelectric power (11.3 GW).

2020: Brazil was the 2nd largest country in the world in the production of energy through biomass

In 2020, Brazil ranked as the second largest country globally in biomass energy production, with 15.2 GW installed.

2020: Colombia ranked 20th in petroleum production and renewable energies

In 2020, Colombia was the 20th largest petroleum producer globally and held rankings in renewable energy, including wind (45th), solar (76th), and hydroelectric power (20th).

2020: Ecuador was the 27th largest oil producer in the world

In 2020, Ecuador was the 27th largest oil producer in the world.

2020: Venezuela ranked 14th in the world in terms of installed hydroelectric capacity

In 2020, Venezuela ranked 14th globally in terms of installed hydroelectric capacity with 16.5 GW.

2020: Brazil exceeds 4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day

In early 2020, Brazil's oil and natural gas production surpassed 4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day for the first time.

2020: Brazil's Oil and Natural Gas Production

In the beginning of 2020, Brazil exceeded 4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day for the first time.

January 2021: Brazil's Oil and Natural Gas Production in January 2021

In January 2021, Brazil extracted 3.168 million barrels of oil per day and 139 million cubic meters of natural gas.

2021: Brazil was the 14th country in the world in terms of installed solar power

In 2021, Brazil ranked 14th globally for installed solar power (13 GW) and 11th for solar energy production (16.8 TWh).

2021: Brazil ranked 7th in the world in terms of installed wind power capacity

In 2021, Brazil ranked 7th globally for installed wind power capacity (21 GW) and 4th for wind energy production (72 TWh).

2021: South America Population Estimate

In 2021, South America's population was estimated to be more than 434 million, ranking fifth in the world.

July 2022: Installed wind power was 22 GW

As of July 2022, Brazil's total installed wind power capacity was 22 GW, with an average capacity factor of 58%.

October 2022: Total installed capacity of photovoltaic solar was 21 GW

As of October 2022, the total installed capacity of photovoltaic solar in Brazil was 21 GW, with an average capacity factor of 23%.

2023: Death of Fernando Botero

In 2023, Fernando Botero, a Colombian painter and sculptor known for his distinctive style, passed away.

2025: Projected South America Deforestation Rate

In 2015, South America had the highest annual deforestation rate of any region, with a projection to continue into 2025 at 4.22 million hectares.

2025: Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025

The "Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025" report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is the source of the text for this article.