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.