Upheaval in the Americas

What is meant by the Americas?Two continents and islands isolated by two oceansMountain ranges and major river systems limit travelSome countries dominated by indigenous populationOthers natives virtually wiped outSome democracies, others dictatorshipsSome right-wing, others Marxist/communistU.S. is regionally dominantAmerican Revolution spawned othersSome major players in region

L’Ouverture, Porfirio Diaz, Castro, PerónCanada constitutionally independent but retains

monarchy

Exploration and ColonizationVarious Euros established colonies in New WorldConflicts in Europe spilled into colonies

Sometimes oppositeOver time – colonies more autonomousConstant oversight not possible – encouraged

self-defense to lower cost of protectionColonists’ motives varied as did social standingAlso contract laborers and slavesMost were men

Influence of Geography Steep mountains, wild rivers presented

obstacles to unification in Latin AmericaDeveloped into separate nation states rather

than a Spanish “United States”Spanish American colonies had relations with

Crown, not each other.British North America had good river systems

and modest-sized mountains that did not seriously hinder trade, travel, or communication among colonies

Differences between British and Spanish America13 British colonies lasted 76 years under English

controlLatin American colonies spanned over 300

yearsVaried motives for colonizationSpanish dealt with larger, organized native

populations that had to be broken and controlled as a labor force

British faced smaller, less developed groups that they forced from occupied land – but fostered resentment

Political ControlSpanish colonies reflected absolutist regime at

homeMany laws, large bureaucracy and legal system

Largely ignored beyond major cities of coloniesSocial hierarchy based on place of birth and racial

mixPeninsulares/creoles – Mestizos, Mulattos, etc.

Creoles excluded from control except in town councils (cabildos)Cabildos play significant role in wars of independence

Portuguese control more relaxed and less-able to control Brazilian population

Political Control continuedGovernment of British colonies represented

extension of English ParliamentEnglish system based on common law and

representative govt. English colonies had large degree of

autonomyEach colony had some form of representative

assembly voted in by popular supportDemocracy to a degree – white, wealthy men

Economic SystemsAll used mercantilism – colonies contribute to

wealth of empiresColonies provide raw materials and serve as a

market for mother country’s finished goodsTrade with rivals restricted and taxedBritish Navigation Acts (1650 – 1673) established

rules for trade in entire empire – not just North America

Smuggling, especially in New England, widespreadLax enforcement – Salutary NeglectSpanish mercantilism tightly enforced

Monopoly ports, annual convoy systemConcentrated on precious metals more than raw

materialsSpain more dependant upon foreign trade for

finished goodsIntra-colonial trade developed where possible

Social SystemsSpanish emigrants largely men (soldiers, officials,

laborers)Greater racial intermarriage than in British coloniesRacial classifications important to class and power

distinctionsPeninsulares and Creoles at top, mixed races lower but

not denied some opportunities (made up majority of pop.)

Native Americans and Africans at bottom of systemFaced discrimination and very limited mobility

More British arrived as families or communities seeking personal freedoms and economic opportunities

British social structure based on class (wealth) not necessarily family connections

Social Systems continuedTradesmen and small farmers formed majority of

populationHard work could provide social advancementBritish aristocracy rarely emigrated to colonies so

they were under-represented.Very poor could not afford to leave England unless

as contract workers (indentured servants)No complex social hierarchy based on racial

identity and mixtureWhite were at top – Africans at bottom

Laws placed limits on rightsPoor whites were above Africans but both were

important laborers north and southNative Americans not even considered part of

society

Role of ReligionSpanish colonies dominated by Catholic Church

Church strengthened imperial control and was only accepted faith in region

13 colonies were mostly ProtestantMany different varieties but some lack of tolerance,

especially in New EnglandNew England largely PuritanMiddle Colonies a mixture of groups (Quakers,

Catholics, Lutherans, Jews, etc.)Southern colonists Anglican, Baptist

Role of religion varied among the colonies