Nation Building in Latin America CHAPTER 21 SECTION 4 CIRCA 19 TH CENTURY
Nationalist Revolts The basis for Latin American Revolutions lies with the social structure established since early colonial times. With Peninsulares (White & born in Europe), enjoying the most privileges. Creoles (White, Born in Americas) resented Peninsualres, it is from the creole class where we see these revolutions begin. Creoles, taking advantage of the havoc that the Napoleonic wars had on Spain & Portugal, decided to pursue independence from their weakened mother kingdoms. The Haitian revolution, the first of its kind (led by slaves), also greatly influenced creoles. Haiti became the 1 st independent Latin American State.
Nationalist Revolts Another Latin American revolution began in Mexico in 1810, led by a priest named Miguel Hidalgo. Hidalgo urged Mestizos, or people of mixed European & Native descent to rise up against the Spaniards (peninsulares). Hidalgo and his army outnumbered the Spaniards but issues with a technological deficit and poor planning led to the rebellion being put down and Hidalgo sentenced to death. Even though the rebellion was unsuccessful, the day it was carried out September 16thy, is still considered Mexican Independence day. Since Mestizos are of mixed race, they scared both Creoles & Peninsulares. It was these “whites” who overthrew the Spanish crown and initially started an Empire, changed to a republic 1 year later.
Revolts In South America The 2 most prolific revolutionary leaders in South America were Jose de San Martin & Simon Bolivar, both men are refereed to as “Liberators of Latin America.” Simon Bolivar, inspired by the Haitian revolution began revolutionary movements in Venezuela and later spread it to what is today, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, & Panama. On the Atlantic shore of South America, San Martin was leading a similar uprising to free Argentina from colonial rule which he successfully did in 1810.
Revolts In South America Mindful that South America could never truly be free unless the Spanish were completely removed, San Martin led an army to remove the Spanish from Chile. He succeeded in surprising the Spanish in Chile, winning the battle of Chacabuco. San Martin the marched to the last Spanish stronghold in Peru and with the help of Simon Bolivar, both forces defeated the Spanish. Peru, Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, Bolivia & Chile were all now free and independent nations. Latin American Independence was not met with joy back in Europe(with the exception of Britain.) European nations wanted to bring Latin America under Spanish control once again. Britain & the U.S. preferred that thee territories remain independent. The Monroe Doctrine, was passed in U.S. Congress essential outlining a future war if any of the Latin American countries were to be invaded by a European power.
Nation Building The losses suffered in the wars for independence led to future issue for these newly independent countries. War amongst them was common as they sought to establish their territorial boundaries. The lack of infrastructure also will lead to continued reliance on the West. Caudillos, soon came in to power in many of these Latin nations, functioning like military leaders, many led modernizing projects in their countries. They were supported by the landed elites. (upper class). Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, is an example of a caudillo who held his country back. From 1833 to 1855 he was president 11 times. corruption and theft is what is most associated with his regime
Nation Building Under Santa Anna’s rule Mexico lost Texas, which seceded and became a U.S. state in Later During the Mexican-American war, Mexico also lost half its territory to the United States. As a result of the mess created by Santa Anna, The Mexican people urged for reform. Among the most beloved leaders was Benito Juarez, born to native parents, he championed the cause of separation of church & state, religious tolerance & the redistribution of land to the poor.
Nation Building Economically speaking, it seemed as if Latin America traded Spanish and Portuguese control over their economy to now having the U.S. & G.B. control everything. Due to the lack of infrastructure, Latin America relied on heavily on the United States for loans as well as investments eventually leading to the United States to invest over $3.5 Billion in Latin America.