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Study Guide: Politics and Society in 19th Century Latin America

1. Latin America's Struggle for Independence

A. Background

  • Colonial Rule: Controlled by Spain and Portugal; resentment over exploitation and inequality.

B. Key Factors for Independence

  1. Enlightenment Ideas: Inspired by philosophers advocating individual rights and self-rule.

  2. Napoleon's Invasion (1808): Weakened European control over colonies.

  3. Revolutions: American and French Revolutions encouraged Creole elites to seek freedom.

C. Leaders of Independence

  • Notable Figures: Simón Bolívar, José de San Martín, Miguel Hidalgo.

  • Bolívar's Vision: A unified Spanish-speaking America; fragmentation resulted instead.

2. Caudillos, Politics, and the Church

A. Caudillos

  • Definition: Authoritarian military leaders with personal loyalty.

  • Influence: Militarization of politics and governance.

B. Political Divisions

  1. Conservatives: Centralized control, Church's influence, preservation of traditional hierarchies.

  2. Liberals: Advocated for federalism, secularism, and reduced Church power.

C. Role of the Church

  • The Catholic Church sided with conservatives; liberal initiatives aimed to limit its power.

3. Mexico - Instability and Foreign Intervention

A. Mexican Republic and Social Issues

  1. 1824 Constitution: Established federalism but failed on land distribution.

  2. Political Divisions: Centralists vs. Federalists.

B. Santa Anna’s Rule

  • Antonio López de Santa Anna's autocratic leadership and its consequences.

C. Foreign Interventions

  1. Texas Crisis: Texan independence and subsequent U.S. annexation.

  2. Mexican-American War: Resulted in territorial loss for Mexico, deep resentment.

D. Juárez and La Reforma

  1. Benito Juárez: Key leader against foreign and conservative oppression.

  2. La Reforma: Aimed at reducing Church and military power.

E. Nationalism and Legacy

  • Juárez's reforms eventually became more autocratic.

4. The Mexican Revolution

A. Causes of the Revolution

  1. Social Inequality and Corruption under Díaz.

  2. Labor Exploitation.

B. Key Figures

  • Francisco Madero, Emiliano Zapata, Pancho Villa - sought reforms.

C. Outcomes

  • Constitution of 1917: Promoted land reforms and workers' rights.

5. The Brazilian Empire

A. Path to Independence

  1. Independence (1822): Dom Pedro I as emperor.

B. Political Instability

  • Conflicts among monarchists, republicans, and liberals.

C. Economic Landscape

  1. Coffee economy; reliance on slavery.

  2. Immigration trends post-slavery abolition (1888).

D. Fall of Monarchy

  • Rise of Republican movement and the military coup (1889).

6. Key Themes in 19th Century Latin America

  1. Struggle for Independence influenced by Enlightenment and revolutions.

  2. Political Instability due to caudillos and military influence.

  3. Foreign Interventions shaping national issues.

  4. Abolition and economic changes with the legacy of slavery.

  5. Rise of export economies like coffee in Brazil.