The Americas after independence

Recap Why were the Latin American revolutions fought? What happened as a result? For independence (vs France and Haiti – for equality) Britain and Spain lost some world power

Post-revolution United states New lands – Louisiana Purchase, Texas, California Immigration from Europe Famine Religious freedom More land

Rise of the united states U.S. didn’t want to be involved in foreign affairs Why? Washington’s Farewell Address (HBD George!) “The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them s little political connection as possible… It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world, so far I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it… in my opinion it is unnecessary and would be unwise to extend them…” Monroe Doctrine Limited contact with and influence from Europe North, Central, and South America are our “sphere of influence” Why? Democracy; Wanted to start fresh

Civil war Industrialized economy – factories Large plantations North South Industrialized economy – factories Small-scale subsistence farming Very limited slavery Abolitionists Much of government based around northern culture Wanted to keep the Union together Large plantations Export-based economy Used slavery Upset because southern interests not represented as much Wanted to secede – also slavery Northern victory resulted in the emancipation of slaves (via Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863). Black rights were severely inhibited in the South until the Voting Rights Act in 1964.

Effects of the civil war

Economy Huge economic development Industry increased in the North to fuel war efforts Railroads Armaments

economy Looked to foreign markets to export goods Attracted foreigners to come to the States due to the booming industry Wave of immigrants in the mid- to late-1800s from China, southern and eastern Europe Brought cultural beliefs and customs “Melting Pot”

Chinese and the central pacific railroad

Chinese and the central pacific railroad I like talking about the exploitation of Chinese labor… 1864-1869 – “white workers were reluctant to do such backbreaking, hazardous work.” Railroad wouldn’t have been finished had it not been for the Chinese – they even imported people from China. Paid about a third less than European workers. Worked longer hours. Had to pay for their own food and lodging and tools (whites didn’t).

Cultural development Isolationism on the decline – why? Control of the Caribbean thanks to the defeat of Spain in Spanish American War (*ahem, the Cuban War of Independence*) Led to long-term conflict between North and South America Teddy Roosevelt (1901-1909): importance of control the seas Panama Canal US involvement in Spanish American war made people mad.

Cultural development Romanticism Art and literature Exploring human emotions – beauty, tragedy, passion Response to Enlightenment focus on reason The Raven, Moby Dick, Walt Whitman, Dickinson, Legend of Sleep Hollow, etc

canada It’s kind of important, too.

Too nice to fight British colony until 1867 – “The Dominion of Canada” Became independent through agreements with the British

TOO NICE TO FIGHT Lots of French, lots of English Wanted to form two different countries; decided to stay united. Why? Succeeded in conquering all the western territories, just like U.S. Actively encouraged immigration to Canada for agricultural and industry jobs

Latin america Also important.

politics Unlike U.S. and Canada, Latin America developed separate nations. Causes of violence and instability Regionalism The Catholic Church No experience with ruling themselves (Spain/Portugal vs. England)

case study: mexico Benito Juarez – 19th century liberal president who led La Reforma (reduced power of military and Catholic Church) Dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz – military general who sold off land and resources to foreign investors (especially the U.S.) This will eventually lead to another Mexican Revolution to try to set up a truly democratic government. (To be clear… 1810: Mexican War of Independence 1910: Mexican Revolution)

economy Agriculture and livestock Very little industrial development – they were getting wealthy providing raw materials to the industrial nations. (And Europe wanted it to stay that way.) European/U.S. demand dictated Latin American production. Became dependent upon foreign investment Unequal trading partners

slavery

Slavery in the new world 17th – early 19th centuries: Growing population + more money + desire for coffee, cocoa, sugar = increased production = increased reliance on slavery Middle/Late 19th century: Abolition of slavery. Why now? 1863: United States 1873: Puerto Rico 1886: Cuba 1888: Brazil

Recap United States and Canada are growing into unified countries with industrializing economies and a stable democracy (thanks, Britain, for all of the practice!). The U.S. is using its growing power to assert more economic (and eventually political) influence in the rest of the Americas. Latin America is fragmented into smaller countries and is dealing with a more difficult transition to democracy. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries they alternate between attempts at democracy and autocratic rule by dictators or the military (reminiscent of Spanish rule). “Human Rights” only become a thing after the major world powers have industrialized and have less use for cheap (or free) human labor.