Modern Latin America Module 3 and 4

Module 2: History 2015 Readings

Teresa Meade, A History of Modern Latin America: 1800 to Present

Chapter 3: Thematic Summary
Competing Notions of Freedom

  • By 1750, Latin America and the Caribbean were characterized by diverse societies formed by geographic, social, and ethnic factors.

  • Primary Centers of Spanish Power:

    • The principal seats of Spanish authority were the Viceroyalty of New Spain in Mexico City and the Viceroyalty of Peru in Lima.

    • As the Spanish Empire became more intricate, it designated regional powers, increasing the number of Captaincies General to manage various areas within the Viceroyalties.

    • In response to growing demands for autonomy, Spain established the Viceroyalty of New Granada in Bogotá in 1717 and subsequently created the Viceroyalty of Rio de la Plata in Buenos Aires in 1776.

  • Political Resistance:

    • Rebellions were common, and Spain often dealt with dissent through harsh repression.

    • The repression of demands for greater freedoms catalyzed organized political movements.

  • Social Stratification:

    • Colonial society was highly stratified based on race, class, and gender, complicating efforts for equitable governance and citizen participation.

    • Individuals of mixed descent and those born in the Americas, traditionally marginalized, began to mobilize for change.

  • Diverse Meanings of Freedom:

    • Different groups had varying definitions of freedom:

    • Creole elite sought independence from Spanish control.

    • People of mixed descent aimed for inclusion in governance.

    • Indigenous peoples desired liberation from European domination.

    • Enslaved individuals sought emancipation from slavery.

  • Influence of Global Events:

    • The example of American independence in 1776, the French Monarchy's fall in 1785, and the Haitian Revolution (1804) inspired movements across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Study Questions

  1. Discuss the general features of slavery in the Americas:

    • Slave Trade and Distribution: Enslavement was widespread across plantations and urban settings. The transatlantic slave trade significantly influenced population distribution of enslaved peoples.

    • Cultural Aspects: Include impact on slave culture, religion, and medicinal practices used by enslaved individuals.

    • Treatment and Resistance: Systemic cruelty, forms of punishment, and organized resistance, including rebellions against the oppressive structures.

  2. Characteristics of the Haitian Revolution:

    • Discuss key events leading to independence and their international repercussions, including ideological shifts and support from other nations.

  3. Independence in Brazil:

    • Analyze the unique path that Brazilians followed to achieve independence, distinguishing it from other Latin American nations.

  4. Comparative Analysis of Mexico and Haiti:

    • Identify similarities and differences in the processes of independence and subsequent challenges faced.

  5. Independence Movements in South America:

    • Explore the classical Latin American independence struggle in relation to Central America and Mexico, noting shared characteristics and divergences in their approaches.

Chapter 4: Fragmented Nationalism
Thematic Summary

  • Simon Bolivar's Legacy:

    • After liberating Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, Bolivar famously remarked that "America is ungovernable" and that all revolutionary efforts had ultimately failed. His disappointment stemmed from the political fragmentation of post-independence Latin America.

  • Lack of Unity:

    • Following independence, new states were plagued by geographic separations and cultural differences, which hindered political unity and led to a continuation of hierarchical power structures akin to colonial times.

    • Dominance remained with Europeans and those of European descent, while indigenous and African-descended populations faced continued marginalization.

  • Post-Colonial Isolation:

    • The inherited communication systems from Spanish rule exacerbated provincial isolation.

    • Geographic obstacles, such as mountains and rivers, obstructed integration among states, leading to the emergence of fragmented states.

  • Power Dynamics:

    • The political arena was dominated by caudillos, or strongmen, who exercised power under questionably elected conditions, often maintaining feudalistic relations with local peasants.

    • Caudillos acted as barriers to unity and reform.

Nation-Building Challenges

  • The quest for independence required substantial revolutions, while nation-building necessitated dismantling structures established by a declining empire.

  • Despite successful revolutions, colonial legacies continued to dictate social hierarchies and power distributions.

    • A new economy with varied trading partners was necessary, imparting a new set of regulations influenced by global powers.

Research Report Questions

  1. Spanish and Portuguese Rule:

    • Analyze how these empires maintained control over vast territories. Define terms:

      • Encomienda: A system granting Spanish settlers rights to indigenous labor.

      • Cacique: Indigenous leaders who often became intermediaries between Spanish authorities and local populations.

      • Hacienda, Fazenda, Engenho, and Latifundia: Describe agricultural systems and land ownership structures within colonial economies.

  2. Colonial Administration Characteristics:

    • Examine the contradictions inherent in Spanish and Portuguese governance models, including administrative hierarchy and local autonomy.

  3. Understanding Caudillos and Caudillismo:

    • Explore how these concepts relate to the political landscape following independence movements.

  4. Race and Class in 19th Century Liberalism:

    • Discuss the implications of race and class in shaping the Liberal ideologies of the time and their impact on societal structures.

  5. Nationalism and Identities:

    • Explain how national identities emerged within the fragmented societies of the Latin American post-colonial landscape.

Keywords and Terms

  • Agustín de Iturbide: Mexican army general and politician who was the first emperor of independent Mexico.

  • Simón Bolivar: Key figure in Latin American independence movements known as the Great Liberator.

  • Saint-Domingue: The former name of Haiti that became the first successful slave revolt leading to independence.

  • Francisco Morazán, Dom Pedro I, Father Miguel Hidalgo: Other notable figures in the independence movements across Latin America.

  • José San Martin, Toussaint L'Ouverture, Bernardo O'Higgins: Key leaders in various revolutionary struggles.

  • Viceroyalty of New Spain and Viceroyalty of Peru: Major administrative divisions in colonial Latin America.

  • José Martí: Cuban nationalist leader and poet.

  • War of the Triple Alliance: Conflict involving Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay from 1864 to 1870.

  • Liberalism: Political ideology promoting individual freedoms and limited government.

  • Domingo Sarmiento and Juan Manuel Rosas: Figures associated with the political dynamics in Argentina.

  • Caudillo: Authoritarian regional leader in post-independence Latin America.

  • Latifundia and Minifundia: Large estates and smallholdings, respectively, illustrating economic disparities.