LATIN AMERICA

TERMS Creoles – descendants of Europeans born in Latin America who lived there permanently Peninsulares – Spanish and Portuguese officials who resided temporarily in Latin America for political and economic gain Mestizos – people of mixed European and Indian descent

REVOLTS The weakening of European powers during the Age of Napoleon Resentment of European leaders for draining the Americas of their wealth Social divisions and oppression of the poor

KEY PEOPLE Mexico South America Miguel Hidalgo – led Mexico’s first revolt Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna – Ruled from 1833-1855. Misused state funds, halted reforms and created chaos. Led Mexico in wars against the U.S. in the 1840s. Benito Juarez – president who brought reforms to Mexico in the 1850-60s. He was the son of native American peasants and became a national hero. South America Jose’ de San Martin – considered a “Liberator of South America”. Liberated Argentina, Chile, and helped liberate Peru. Simon Bolivar – also considered a “liberator of South America” by freeing Venezuela, Peru and much of the rest of South America.

U.S. RESPONSE The Monroe Doctrine – Issued by President James Monroe, it threatened to intervene if any European nations tried to get involved in Latin American politics. Helped insure independence of Latin American nations. The Panama Canal – begun by the French, but completed by the U.S. It cut travel time from the Atlantic to Pacific in half. The U.S. periodically sent troops to Latin American countries to put down rebellions. Latin American countries referred to the U.S. as “The big bully to the north”.