Study Notes on Independence Movements in the Americas

Overview of Historical Context

• Important historical events unfold gradually, not suddenly.

• Independence movements in the Americas are part of a broader context of political change.

The United States and Independence

• 1776 marks a significant moment with the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

• At this time, there was no established United States; it was a colony of Great Britain.

• Contemporary political analysts would have viewed the development of independence in the colonies as unlikely due to various factors.

Historical Background

• The perspective of political observers in the mid-1700s:

  • The colonies were perceived as relatively stable and thriving, particularly compared to other regions of the Americas, such as New Spain (Mexico) and Central America.

  • Thomas Paine and John Locke may have categorized the region as one of the last likely candidates to revolt due to its relatively high standard of living among the free population.

Economic and Social Conditions

• In 1776 in the colonies:

  • A significant, yet concealed reality is the existence of around one million enslaved people.

  • General prosperity existed for the majority of the white free population, especially in New England.

  • Access to land was limited due to the Proclamation Line arising from the Seven Years’ War.

  • The economy was not stagnant; money flowed, jobs were available, and wages were sufficient for many.

  • Free landowners had some political influence over laws and taxes with respect to self-governance.

Salutary Neglect

• The concept of Salutary Neglect refers to the British Crown's policy of avoiding strict enforcement of parliamentary laws, intended to keep the colonies loyal and economically productive.

• This policy changed significantly after the Seven Years' War, leading to increased British involvement in colonial affairs.

Comparison with Other Regions

• The Americas varied widely in political stability:

  • New Spain had sharp economic stratification with a small elite class and lacked significant political access for the general populace.

  • Indigenous people faced severe poverty.

  • The Caribbean and South America had similar issues, with populated areas largely controlled by a few wealthy elites.

Liberalism and Enlightenment Thought

• Key Themes of Liberalism:

  • Emerged from the Enlightenment, endorsing democracy and civil rights.

  • Originated in broader Atlantic ideologies as ideas about freedom and free markets spread.

  • Rooted opposed to monarchy and mercantilism.

The Declaration of Independence

• Thomas Jefferson authored the Declaration, significantly borrowing ideas from Thomas Paine, notably the concepts of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness vs. pursuit of property.

• This philosophical underpinning reflects the merging of economic and political liberalism ideals and established a foundation for American democracy.

Adam Smith and Economic Theory

• Adam Smith published An Inquiry into the Wealth of Nations in 1776, advocating for free markets and the idea that political power must derive from civil society, an essential component of liberal ideology.

Civil Society and Power Dynamics

• Civil society refers to the populace who participate in political life, contrasting historical monarchic power structures.

• The political power was limited to a select group, primarily wealthy landowners and urban professionals.

Mexican Independence and Liberalism

• Mexican independence did not occur in isolation; rather, it paralleled the revolutions in North America:

  • Miguel Hidalgo initiated the Mexican independence movement on September 16, 1810.

  • Utilized sentiments of discontent against the governing forces representing the Spanish crown amid the power vacuum created by Napoleon's invasions.

Social and Economic Conditions in New Spain

• The social structure involved a conflict between the Creoles (Spanish descent born in the Americas) and the Peninsulares (those born in Spain).

• Tensions increased due to Bourbon reforms, which favored Peninsulares over Creole interests, fostering resentment.

• Similarly to North America, the Mexican elite experienced a loss of power, driving the independence rhetoric.

The Role of the Catholic Church

• The Catholic Church was pivotal during Spanish colonization, providing governance in civil matters and social stability.

• Miguel Hidalgo's invocation of religion in independence allows for a better understanding of its influence in Latin America.

Conclusion and Implications

• By understanding the interconnected nature of these movements, one can appreciate independence beyond mere national borders, recognizing an Atlantic phenomenon.

• The shift of power dynamics from European monarchies to civil society marks profound implications on governance structures across the Americas as they transitioned into independence.

Future Considerations

• Differences between the independence movements in the U.S. and Latin America are rooted in specific economic, social, and political contexts that continue to influence contemporary discussions about governance and social equity.