Why is Latin America called "Latin" America? Why was that name chosen as opposed to say, Spanish America or European America?

by George_S_Patton_III
optcynsejo

Can I extend this to ask:

  • Why are Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries the only ones included by this term, and not French speaking countries like Haiti?

  • Is Latin America a term that was chosen/originated in Latin America, or was applied by scholars/groups elsewhere?