HWH 7.3a Latin American Revolutions Reading Guide

OHWH 7.3a Latin American Revolutions Reading Guide Notes

Introduction

  • The notes are derived from Chapter 23, Lesson 4, focusing on Latin American revolutions, preparations for a closed-note quiz, and essential vocabulary/topics.

Nationalist Revolts

  • Creoles:

    • resented the control of the Spanish crown.

  • Peninsulares:

    • Definition: Spanish-born individuals residing in the Americas; theyoccupied the highest social and political positions in colonial Latin America.

  • Tension between Creoles and Peninsulares:

    • Explanation: The tension arose from the creoles' resentment towards the peninsulares due to the latter controlling wealth and political power, which the creoles believed they deserved due to their heritage and status.

  • Napoleon’s actions in Europe:

    • Impact: Napoleon's invasion of Spain in 1808 led to a power vacuum in the Spanish Empire, allowing Latin American colonies to challenge and revolt against colonial rule. This weakened the authority of the peninsulares and encouraged creole nationalism.

Revolt in Haiti

  • Toussaint Louverture:

    • Definition: A leader of the Haitian Revolution who became instrumental in the fight against colonial rule. He played a crucial role in abolishing slavery and establishing Haiti as the first independent black republic.

Revolt in Mexico

  • Miguel Hidalgo:

    • Definition: A Roman Catholic priest and revolutionary leader who is considered a national hero in Mexico for his role in the early stages of the Mexican War of Independence.

  • Mestizos:

    • Definition: Individuals of mixed European and Native American ancestry; they played a significant role in revolutionary movements due to their large population and desire for social equality.

  • Role of Mestizos and Native Americans in the Mexican Revolution:

    • Explanation: Both groups actively participated in uprisings against Spanish rule, driven by issues of social injustice and land rights, as they sought to improve their status and rights within the new nation.

South American Revolutions

  • José de San Martin:

    • Definition: A key military leader in the struggle for independence in South America, particularly in Argentina and Chile, known for his strategic expertise and leadership.

  • Simón Bolívar:

    • Definition: A prominent figure known as "El Libertador," who played a crucial role in the liberation of several South American countries, including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia from Spanish rule.

Threats to Independence

  • Monroe Doctrine:

    • Issued by: President James Monroe in 1823.

    • Key points: Stated that the Americas were no longer open to European colonization and that any interference by foreign countries in the politics of the Americas would be viewed as a threat to the U.S. This doctrine aimed to protect newly independent nations in Latin America from European intervention.

Rule of the Caudillos and Inequality

  • Caudillos:

    • Definition: Military or political leaders who gained control in various Latin American countries after independence, often ruling with authoritarian methods.

  • Role of Landed Elite in New Latin American Nations:

    • Explanation: The landed elite maintained significant social and economic power post-independence, often controlling land and resources, and influencing political decisions, which contributed to ongoing social inequality.

Imperialism and Economic Dependence

  • Economic Dependence After Independence:

    • Explanation: Latin America continued to have economic dependence on Europe due to factors such as a lack of industrialization, reliance on exports of raw materials, and limited capital for investment. Countries often found themselves forced into unequal trade relationships that favored European economies, stifling their economic growth and independence.