Hist: latin america Exam 2

Hatian Revolution

was the world's only successful takeover by African slaves and free people of color, triggered by a slave revolt against a major European power in San Domingue. Toussaint Louverture, a key figure, issued a constitution abolishing slavery. This event took place between 1791 and 1804. Why it is importantis that it demonstrated that revolution cannot be separated from abolition, and it was considered terrifying for colonial elites across Latin America.

The Minors Conspiracy

also known as the tooth pullers’ conspiracy) It was a planned rebellion calling for self-rule and aiming to establish a US-style government by kidnapping and executing the governor. This plot began in 1789 in the town or province of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The conspiracy involved elites who resented tax demands. Joaquina Jose da Silva Xavior, a mixed-race non-elite, was blamed, executed, and his disembodied corpse was displayed around Brazil as a warning. Why it is important is that the participants intended to create an independent economic powerhouse.

Grito de Dolores

was a rallying cry calling for the death of the peninsulas initiated by Padre Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Mexican priest who loved gambling and dancing. The plot began in 1810 in Delores, Mexico, a town adjacent to a major silver mining operation. Why it is important is that Hidalgo's movement picked up 25,000 indigenous people and, although his forces were later defeated and he was executed, it represented a significant example of rural social unrest and the start of organized revolutionary groups dedicated to independence in Mexico.

Pla of Iguala 

was a document that sealed Mexican independence. It was issued on February 24, 1821 by Agustín Iturbide and Vincent Guerrero. This plan established an independent monarchy, declared Catholicism the sole legitimate religion, and pronounced all subjects equal. Why it is important is that it established the "three pillars of order"—independence, religion, and union—and led to Iturbide’s installation as interim president (and later emperor) of Mexico.

Augustin Iturbide

was initially a viceroy sent to put down independence movements in Mexico. He later switched sides in 1821 after hearing about a Spanish coup and recruited the Criollos. In Mexico, he sealed independence with the Plan of Iguala and was installed as the first emperor. Why he is important is that he successfully achieved independence, but his rule was short-lived, as he was forced to abdicate in March 1823 after using military power to maintain his position.

Pedro II

was the son of Pedro I and the emperor of Brazil. Appointed when he was five years old, he eventually ascended to the throne in 1840 at age 14. He ruled until 1889. Why he is important is that his rule, especially after receiving greater power through the Additional Act of 1844, secured Brazil as a very stable constitutional monarchy, avoiding the destabilizing presence of Caudillos (Cedillos) at the federal level.

The Portalian System 

was a form of authoritarianism disguised as a constitutional monarchy in Chile. It was named after Diego Portales, a merchant and power holder, although he was never president. The system was put in place following the Conservative Coup of 1830 and was based on the Constitution of 1833. Why it is important is that it created a highly stable government by giving the president extensive power, including arbitrary arrests and exile, which allowed the country to avoid the need for a Caudillo.

(Dr.) Jose Gaspar Rodriguez

was the leader of Paraguay who established a paternalist, all-embracing state. He had a degree in philosophy and admired Rousseau, Robespierre, and Napoleon. Francia ruled from the independence period, around 1814, until 1840. Why he is important is that he believed democratic liberalism would fail and instead imposed autarky (economic self-sufficiency), eliminating modern ideas and creating a stable, unchanging economic structure where the state owned all the land.

La Reforma

was a period of political and legal change in Mexico that began with the Plan of Ayoola in 1854, calling for a return to republican principles and a new constitution. It was driven by young radicals, with Benito Juárez eventually established as president. Why it is important is that it included major liberal legislation, such as the Ley Juárez (abolishing religious privileges) and the Ley Lerdo (eliminating corporate land holdings), ultimately triumphing in 1867 with the restoration of the Republic.

Maxamilian I 

the Archduke of Austria placed on the Mexican throne by Napoleon III of France. He was persuaded to rule by a rigged plebiscite and, starting in 1864, ruled Mexico for three years, establishing a constitutional monarchy with some liberal measures. Why he is important is that his rule represented the culmination of conservative attempts to establish a Catholic monarchy. He was arrested and executed in June 1867 after France withdrew its troops, signaling the victory of La Reforma under Benito Juárez.

Antonio Lopez De Santa anna

was a powerful military genius and effective Caudillo (Cedillo) in Mexico. He was politically active from the fall of Iturbide in 1823 through to his replacement following the Plan of Ayoola in 1855. He often ruled in a quasi-monarchical fashion and frequently overthrew other governments. Why he is important is that he played a critical role in establishing the republic, repelling the Spanish invasion of 1829, and his repeated overthrows and reinstatements defined the political chaos of 1830s and 1840s Mexico.

Benito Juarez

was a prominent liberal politician established as president of Mexico under the 1857 Constitution. He took the presidency in 1861 and died in 1872. He inherited a bankrupt country and temporarily stopped paying debts. Why he is important is that he led the resistance forces against Emperor Maximilian I and ultimately restored the Republic, ensuring the victory of La Reforma and establishing the triumph of liberalism in Mexico.

Juan Imanual de Roasas 

was the owner of a great estate and an Anti-Liberal Caudillo (Cadillo) who took full dictatorial power in Argentina. He became governor in 1829 and ruled until 1852. Why he is important is that he exemplifies the rise of Caudillos from the wealthy cattle ranchers (estancios). He and his wife built a powerful cult of personality, using the Catholic clergy to support his total rule, and portrayed himself as a champion of the lower classes

LIberalism

is a political ideology advocating for the sovereignty of the people, individual rights (property, speech, religion), separation of powers, and the free market. Supported by factions of the Criollos, it was a major influence on independence movements and defined the post-independence period across Spanish America. Why it is important is that while it aimed to restructure society along its values, its implementation was difficult in diverse societies, often leading proponents to retreat from egalitarianism and instead support state action (like tariffs or secular education) to achieve change from above.

Positivism

a European intellectual movement started by August Comte and Herbert Spencer (known for Social Darwinism). This movement took hold in Latin America, emphasizing that scientific reason should supersede religion and that progress comes from order. Why it is important is that it was elitist and authoritarian, arguing that the government should not help the poor, who were deemed "unevolved," and providing an ideological justification for oppressive liberal rulers or dictators who emphasized order as the path to progress.

Neocolonialsim 

a historical period in Latin America defined by the influence of European nations and the United States. This period is sometimes referred to by historians as the "second conquest". Why it is important is that while modernization occurred, focused on export-oriented growth and urbanization, it resulted in greater economic and political power for external entities, increasing European and U.S. cultures, and the destruction of existing cultural practices.

The Porfirato

a dictatorship of the first order in Mexico. It began in 1876 when Porfirio Diaz proclaimed that there should be no re-election and assumed the presidency by force. Why it is important is that it represented the culmination of the cycle of instability and the resort to strong-man rule following the turbulence of La Reforma.