Independence Movements
Causes of Independence Movements
Political Causes
Magna Carta (1215)
Limited government power, protecting people's rights.
Served as a model for the English Bill of Rights and American rights.
Two Treatises of Government (John Locke)
Proposed that abusive governments can be overthrown if they violate rights.
Influenced the Declaration of Independence.
Mayflower Compact (1620)
Early form of self-government signed by settlers before landing in America.
Maryland Toleration Act (1649)
Granted religious freedom to Christians in Maryland.
New England Town Hall Meetings
Established early forms of democracy and community governance.
Enlightenment Ideas Significant to Independence
John Locke
Advocated natural rights (life, liberty, property) and social contract.
Charles-Louis Montesquieu
Proposed separation of government powers into three branches.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Emphasized majority rule and the citizenship social contract.
Voltaire
Promoted freedom of speech and religion.
Thomas Paine
Authored "Common Sense," advocating independence from England.
Social Causes of Independence Movements
Slavery
All British colonies involved in slavery, especially in the South.
Slave codes limited rights and enslaved Africans.
Differences in treatment: indentured servants vs. slaves.
House of Burgesses
Virginia's legislative assembly established representation and taxation.
Economic Factors at Play
Mercantilism
Colonies dependent on trade with the mother country (England).
Navigation Acts (1650s) dictated colonial trade.
Triangle Trade
Trade routes linked America, Africa, and England, creating economic monopolies.
Influences of Napoleon and Social Structures in Latin America
Political Influence of Napoleon
His invasion of Spain destabilized Spanish colonies, leading to independence movements similar to those in North America.
Social Hierarchy
Peninsulares (Spanish-born) dominated over Creoles (American-born of European descent), creating resentment.
Impact of Ultimately Successful Revolutions
American Revolution (1776) led to Enlightenment ideas resonating in Latin America:
Inspired Creole elites to seek independence from Spain and Portugal.
The successes of American and French revolutions served as an inspiration.
Analysis of Key Battles and Leaders
Key Incidents Leading to American Revolution:
French and Indian War (1750s) caused British debt and taxation.
Boston Massacre highlighted British oppression, fostering rebellion.
Boston Tea Party as a significant act of defiance against British taxation.
Prominent Leaders and Their Contributions
George Washington:
Key military leader and first President, instrumental in Revolutionary victories.
Thomas Jefferson:
Author of the Declaration of Independence, incorporating Enlightenment ideas.
Simón Bolívar:
Led Latin American independence movements against Spanish rule, inspired by Enlightenment ideals.
José de San Martín:
Liberated Argentina, Chile, and Peru from Spanish control, collaborating with Bolívar.
Key Events in Latin American Independence
Battle of Ayacucho (1824):
Decisive victory confirming Peru's independence and weakening Spanish control in South America.
Battle of Chacabuco (1817):
Key Chilean victory led by O'Higgins and San Martín against Spanish Royalists.
Effects of Adoption of Enlightenment Ideas
Monroe Doctrine (1823)
Declaration that the American continents were closed to further European colonization, reflecting U.S. interests in Latin America.
Economic and Social Outcomes Post-Independence
Economic:
Economic structures remained largely under the control of Creoles while indigenous and mixed-race populations remained disenfranchised.
Social:
Post-independence social structures largely unchanged, with Creoles retaining power and existing class divisions still prevalent.