‘Creating’ Latin America – Independence and state-creation

Long 17th Century: 1580-1720: decrease of silver shipments, increase blended societies, growth of great states in Americas. Rise of international competition

Dutch French English

Weakening of the empire’s grasp Growing Criollo autonomy and identity

18th Century – Age of Revolution Enlightenment, Industrial revolution, French

and American Revolution Monarchies seek to re-organize

Rationalize, centralize, nationalize ‘Bourbon reforms’ Marquis de Pombal

Opponents: Traditional nobility, Catholic ch. Biased: Peninsulares v Criollos

Criollo discontent: Unhappy with Crown’s treatment Wanted to trade with others Had become ‘infected’ by the ideas of the

Enlightenment Had the example of the French and American

Revolution (English in Argentina)

Most importantly, mobilized by Napoleonic invasions

But…

Fear of the masses French Revolution Peru: Condorcanqui Tupac Amaru (1780-1) Aymara Rebellion: Tupac Catari (1770s-80s) Minas Conspiracy in Brazil (1789) Revolt in Bahia (1798) Haitian Revolution

Criollos are riding a tiger…(Bolivar)

Haitian Revolution

Haitian Revolution Uprising led by Papaloi Boukman Francois Dominique Toussaint

L’Ouverture, along with Henri Christophe and Jean Jacques Dessalines

First independent state in the Americas

Independence of the Americas

Francisco Miranda

Simon Bolivar ‘from the North’ Jose de San Marti ‘from the South’

Mexican Revolution Priest Miguel Hidalgo – ‘Grito de Dolores’ Priest Jose Maria Morelos

Sentiments of the Nation.

America is free and independent of Spain and every other nation...All the inhabitants except Europeans will no longer be designated as Indians, mulattoes, or other castes, but all will be known as Americans

Augustin Iturbide – Plan de Iguala Central America’s Independence Portuguese Independence

Comparison with North America

Parallels: Vs mercantilist system Led by well-educated, enlightenment influenced locals Civil wars Used foreign assistance

Contrasts: No unified strategy No unified direction – geo., cul., and econ. differences Lacked popular basis

Cost of Independence Creating nations

‘New’ economy Importance of colonial infrastructure Importance of geography Regional divisions Universities Immigrations