2nd MAJOR CHANGE: Political & Economic Revolutions ( LATIN AMERICA )

Latin America

2nd MAJOR CHANGE: Political & Economic Revolutions

Causes

• Spanish Colonies over taxed

• Revolution is also very bloody and very violent. 

• Mercantilism- forcing people of Latin America to only produce cash crops.

• Spanish colonies were strictly controlled by their mother country. Zero economic freedom.

effects

• Long term effects

  • Lack of Unity- Very diverse

  • Very Underdeveloped, no stable government.

  • So many civil wars led to many dictatorships, even today

REVOLUTIONS IN LATIN AMERICA - The Modern Period (summary)

By the late 1700s, Latin America experienced revolutionary fervor due to discontent with its social system.

• Spanish Peninsulares, the highest class, dominated government and the Church.

• Creoles, Mestizos, and Mulattoes resented their inferior status.

• Inspired by Enlightenment ideals and events like the French and American revolutions. Latin American leaders sought independence, especially after Napoleon invaded Spain in 1808.

  • Social discontent in late 1700s Latin America led to revolutionary sentiment.

  • Spanish Peninsulares held power in government and the Church, while Creoles resented their second-class status.

  • Mestizos and Mulattoes were denied status, wealth, and power enjoyed by other groups.

  • Enlightenment ideas and the French and American revolutions inspired Latin American Creoles.

  • Napoleon's invasion of Spain in 1808 prompted Latin American leaders to demand independence.

• Revolution erupted in Hispaniola in 1791 led by Toussaint L'Ouverture, resulting in the abolition of slavery and rebel control of the island.

• Despite Napoleon's attempts to reconquer the island, his army failed. In 1804, the island declared independence, becoming Haiti.

• 1810: Creole priest Miguel Hidalgo initiates Mexican independence movement.

  • Hidalgo and successor Jose Morelos executed; revolution continues.

  • 1821: Agustin de Iturbide leads overthrow of Spanish viceroy, declares Mexican independence.

  • Central American colonies also declare independence around this time.

• Early 1800s: Discontent spreads across South America.

  • Simon Bolivar leads uprising in Venezuela, facing initial defeat but persevering.

    • Bolivar embarks on grueling campaign, liberating Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.

  • Jose de San Martin aids Argentina and Chile's independence.

  • Wars of independence end in 1824, but lead to destructive civil wars due to power struggles among South American leaders.

  • In Brazil, Dom Pedro, son of Portuguese king, becomes emperor and declares independence in 1822.

Causation : List 4 causes for Latin American Revolutions in the margin

1. Social hierarchy: Discontent with the dominance of Spanish-born Peninsulares in government and the Church, while Creoles, Mestizos, and Mulattoes faced discrimination.

2. Enlightenment ideals: Inspiration from liberal ideas of equality and rights propagated by the Enlightenment, challenging the existing social order.

3. Influence of French and American revolutions: The successful revolutions in France and America served as examples of overthrowing oppressive regimes and sparked aspirations for independence.

4. External pressure: Napoleon's invasion of Spain in 1808 destabilized Spanish authority in Latin America, providing an opportunity for independence movements to gain momentum.

1. Clarifying: Which two groups made up the vast majority of the population in Spanish America?

2. Making Inferences: Of the Europeans, which group-- peninsulares or creoles-- probably made up a larger percentage? Explain. 

Causation: What common economic and political issues spurred the American colonist, 3rd Estate in France, and Creoles to revolt?

• The two groups that made up the vast majority of the population in Spanish America were the Mestizos and Mulattoes, who were of mixed Native American and European or African and European descent.

Making Inferences:

• Of the Europeans, the Creoles probably made up a larger percentage compared to the Peninsulares. This is because Creoles were born in the Americas and had deeper roots in the region, while Peninsulares were Spanish-born and represented a smaller proportion of the European population in Spanish America.

Causation:

• Common economic and political issues that spurred the American colonists, the 3rd Estate in France, and Creoles to revolt included:

  • Economic exploitation: All three groups faced economic exploitation by the ruling elite, including heavy taxation and monopolistic control over trade and resources.

    • Limited political representation: Each group was marginalized politically, with limited or no representation in government decision-making processes, leading to feelings of disenfranchisement.

    • Desire for greater autonomy: The American colonists, the 3rd Estate in France, and Creoles sought greater autonomy and control over their own affairs, challenging the authority of distant monarchies and colonial administrators.

What is the significance of the Haitian revolution?

The significance of the Haitian Revolution lies in its role as the only successful slave revolt in history, resulting in the abolition of slavery and the establishment of the first independent black republic. It challenged colonialism and inspired liberation movements worldwide, symbolizing the power of enslaved people to overthrow oppressive systems and assert their freedom and equality.

What was unique about the struggle for Mexican Independence?

What was unique about the struggle for Mexican Independence was the prominent role played by various leaders from different social backgrounds, including a Creole priest like Father Miguel Hidalgo, who mobilized Mexicans to fight for independence, and the eventual success achieved through a combination of efforts from individuals like Father Jose Morelos and revolutionaries led by Agustin de Iturbide. Additionally, the independence movement in Mexico inspired similar movements in other parts of Central America, leading to a broader wave of independence across the region.

review questions : Latin America had social classes that determined jobs and authority. Identify in order and define the 5 different classes.

1. Peninsulares: These were people who were born in Spain and held the highest positions of authority in colonial society. They often held top governmental and church positions and had significant power and privileges.

2. Creoles: Creoles were individuals of European descent who were born in the colonies rather than in Spain. While they were still part of the European-descended elite, they were often excluded from the highest levels of power held by the Peninsulares. However, they still held considerable wealth and influence, particularly in economic matters such as agriculture and trade.

3. Mestizos: Mestizos were individuals of mixed European and indigenous ancestry. They often occupied lower positions in society compared to the Peninsulares and Creoles but had more social and economic opportunities than the indigenous population.

4. Mulattoes: Mulattoes were individuals of mixed European and African ancestry. Like Mestizos, they faced discrimination and were typically relegated to lower-status positions in society, but they often had more opportunities than enslaved Africans.

5. Indigenous peoples: Indigenous peoples were the native inhabitants of the Americas. They were often at the bottom of the social hierarchy and faced widespread discrimination, exploitation, and displacement by colonial powers. They were frequently subjected to forced labor, land seizure, and cultural suppression.

   + slaves

What 2 leaders helped free much of South America?

Two leaders who played significant roles in freeing much of South America from Spanish colonial rule were Simon Bolivar and Jose de San Martin.

• Bolivar led the independence movements in northern South America, including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.

• San Martin was instrumental in liberating southern South America, including Argentina and Chile.

  • Both leaders are considered key figures in the struggle for South American independence.

 How did Brazil gain its independence?

Brazil gained its independence through a relatively peaceful process compared to many other Latin American countries. In 1822, Dom Pedro, the son of the Portuguese king, declared Brazil's independence from Portugal and became the ruler of the newly independent nation. This declaration followed years of tensions between Brazil and Portugal, exacerbated by political and economic disputes and the Napoleonic Wars. Dom Pedro's declaration of independence was met with little resistance from Portugal, and Brazil remained a monarchy with Dom Pedro as its first emperor.

 Simon Bolivar’s Jamaica Letter

• Simón Bolívar: Prominent military and political leader in Latin American independence movement.

• Born in Venezuela in 1783; known as "The Liberator."

• Led campaigns across Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, liberating them from Spanish colonial rule.

• Advocated for independent republics and a united South America.

• Influence extends through writings and political philosophies, emphasizing republican government, education, and equality.

• Legacy as a revolutionary leader and visionary statesman remains integral to Latin American history and identity.

vocab in simon bolivar

Expound: To explain in detail or to present and explain a theory or idea systematically and in detail.

1. Reconcile: To restore friendly relations between individuals or groups; to make (two apparently conflicting things) compatible or consistent with each other.

2. Affinity: A spontaneous or natural liking or sympathy for someone or something; a similarity of characteristics suggesting a relationship, especially a resemblance in structure between animals, plants, or languages.

3. Tyranny: Cruel and oppressive government or rule; a nation under cruel and oppressive government.

4. Despotic: Of or typical of a despot; tyrannical.

5. Galling: Annoying; causing resentment or annoyance; causing someone to feel irritated or resentful.

6. Servitude: The state of being a slave or completely subject to someone more powerful; slavery or bondage of any kind.

7. Mercantilism: An economic theory and practice that prevailed in Europe from the 16th to the 18th century. It held that a nation's wealth was measured by its accumulated treasure, with gold and silver being the most sought-after. It advocated for increasing exports and limiting imports through tariffs and trade regulations, with the goal of amassing precious metals and achieving economic self-sufficiency.

From the letter, think of the Social Hierarchy System of Latin-America,   who do you think is Simon Bolivar’s intended audience. Why?

Simon Bolivar's intended audience was the people of Latin America, particularly those affected by the social hierarchy system under Spanish colonial rule. He aimed to inspire them to join the independence movement and strive for a more equitable society, resonating with individuals across different social classes who desired freedom and equality. Bolivar sought to mobilize a broad audience encompassing creoles, mestizos, indigenous peoples, and others who shared a desire for independence and social reform.

Simon Bolivar had several complaints towards the Spanish government:

1. Oppression and Tyranny: Bolivar criticized the oppressive and tyrannical rule imposed by the Spanish colonial authorities, which restricted the freedom and rights of the people of Latin America.

2. Exploitation: Bolivar denounced the exploitation of Latin American resources and wealth by the Spanish crown, which benefited Spain at the expense of the local populations.

3. Social Inequality: Bolivar objected to the social hierarchy system enforced by the Spanish colonial regime, which privileged the peninsulares (Spanish-born individuals) over the creoles (those of European descent born in the colonies) and other ethnic groups.

4. Lack of Representation: Bolivar lamented the lack of political representation and autonomy for the people of Latin America under Spanish rule, as decisions affecting their lives were made by distant authorities in Spain.

Overall, Bolivar's complaints centered around the unjust and oppressive nature of Spanish colonial rule in Latin America, and he sought to challenge this system through his efforts to achieve independence and social reform.

The Social Contract

The Social Contract is a political theory formulated by Enlightenment philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau in his work of the same name, published in 1762.

In essence, Rousseau argues that individuals in a society agree to abide by certain rules and institutions in exchange for the protection of their natural rights and freedoms. This agreement forms the basis of a social contract, which establishes the legitimacy of government authority.

According to Rousseau, the social contract creates a collective body known as the "general will," which represents the common interests of the citizens. The government, in turn, is responsible for enacting laws and policies that reflect and uphold the general will.

Rousseau's concept of the social contract has had a significant influence on political thought and has been foundational to discussions about the nature of government, citizenship, and individual rights.