midterm 1 Flashcards
10 Years’ War (1868–1878)
Cuba’s first major war for independence against Spanish rule, led by Cuban born planters and other wealthy natives. Though unsuccessful, it set the stage for later independence wars and eventually Cubas full independence from Spain.
connects to the theme of American ideas about independence, equality, and nation-building because it was Cuba’s first big attempt to gain independence from Spanish rule and push for equality, including the abolition of slavery. The war reflected the belief that building a free and fair nation meant fighting for both political freedom and social justice for all Cubans.
Gabriel de la Concepción Valdés (Plácido) (1809–1844)
He was of African and Spanish descent and became famous for his powerful poetry which spoke about freedom, justice, and the struggles of Afro-Cubans. He was falsely accused on involvement in the Ladder Conspiracy and executed. His poetry lives on and are strong symbols of the fight for Cuban independence and racial equality.
Connects to the theme of U.S. and Latin American perceptions of race because he became a symbol of racial injustice. His death highlights how race affected how people were judged and treated in Latin America.
The Ladder (Year of the Lash) (1844)
The Ladder was a brutal repression in Cuba led by Spanish authorities against afro cubans, both free and enslaved. Spanish officials claimed that there was a secret slave rebellion plot, but there was little real evidence. Using this as an excuse, they arrested, tortured, and executed thousands of Afro-Cuban
Connects ot the theme of Latin American strategies of resistance because it made Latin Americans more determined to fight back in the future, showing how unfairness often pushed people to fight for freedom in Latin America.
Simón Bolívar (1783–1830)
A key figure in Latin American independence, leading revolts against Spanish rule in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. He wanted to unify South America but struggled with internal divisions.
He connects to the theme of Latin American strategies of resistance because he used both military force and political ideas to fight against Spanish control. Bolívar showed that strong leadership, military action and push for equality were powerful ways for Latin Americans to resist and win their independence.
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (1753–1811)
A Mexican priest who started the fight for Mexicos independence from Spain in 1810 with his famous speech, the “Grito de Dolores”. He gathered a large army of poor farmers and Indigenous people to fight against Spanish rule and the unfair treatment of lower classes.
Hidalgo connects to the theme of American ideas about independence, equality, and nation-building because he fought for the idea that all people, regardless of their social status, deserved freedom and better treatment. His actions inspired the larger movement that eventually led to Mexico’s independence.
Monroe Doctrine (1823)
U.S. foreign policy statement declaring that European nations should not interfere in the Western Hemisphere. It stated that any attempt by Europe to colonize or control nations in the Western Hemisphere would be seen as a threat to the United States.
The Monroe Doctrine (1823) connects to the theme of American ideas about independence, equality, and nation-building because it supported the idea that newly independent Latin American nations had the right to govern themselves without European interference. It reflected the U.S. belief in protecting independence and self-rule as important parts of building strong, free nations in the Americas.
Domingo Sarmiento
Domingo Sarmiento was an Argentine writer, educator, and president who worked to improve education and modernize Argentina. He believed that progress came through education and learning from European ideas. As president he built schools, trained teachers, and worked to reduce poverty.
connects to the theme of American ideas about nation-building because he believed that education and modernization were essential for building a strong nation. His efforts to expand public education and promote social progress helped shape Argentina’s development and supported the idea that national growth comes through knowledge and opportunity.
José Martí (1853–1895)
A Cuban nationalist, poet, and revolutionary who fought for Cuban independence from Spain. Martí died in battle during the Cuban War of Independence and is remembered as a national hero and symbol of Cuban freedom.
José Martí connects to the theme of Latin American strategies of resistance because he used both writing and armed struggle to fight against Spanish rule. His work showed how literature and direct action were powerful strategies for resisting colonial oppression and fighting for freedom.
Baron de Rio
Branco
A Brazilian diplomat who expanded Brazil’s territory through negotiations rather than war. His diplomatic efforts strengthened the country’s position in South America.
connects to the theme of American ideas about independence, equality, and nation-building because he used diplomacy to peacefully shape Brazil’s borders and strengthen its national identity. His work helped build a stronger, more unified nation, in Latin America.
Riego Revolt (1820)
A military uprising in Spain led by Rafael del Riego, to restore the liberal Spanish Constitution of 1812. It briefly forced King Ferdinand VII to accept constitutional rule before being crushed in 1823.
connects to the theme of American ideas about independence, equality, and nation-building because it aimed to establish a constitutional government that limited royal power and promoted democratic rights. This push for freedom and equality influenced independence movements in Latin America.
Haitian Revolution (1791–1804)
The first successful slave rebellion that led to Haiti’s independence from France. The revolution not only freed Haiti but also inspired other movements against slavery and colonialism around the world.
The Haitian Revolution connects to the theme of Latin American strategies of resistance because enslaved people fought back with armed rebellion to gain their freedom and independence. It also showed that oppressed people could successfully resist and create a free nation.
Jane Cazneau (1807–1878)
An American journalist and expansionist who supported the idea of Manifest Destiny, beleiving that the US should exapnd across North America. she wrote about the idea that expansion would help spread democracy and civilization.
Jane Cazneau connects to the theme of American ideas about independence, equality, and nation-building. Her writings reflected the belief that expanding the nation’s borders was part of building a strong and independent country.
The Mexican Revolution (1910–1920)
the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920) was a major conflict in Mexico where people fought to end dictatorship, inequality, and unfair land ownership. The revolution led to the creation of a new Mexican Constitution in 1917, which aimed to give more rights and equality to the people.
The Mexican Revolution connects to the theme of Latin American strategies of resistance because people rose up against dictatorship and inequality, using armed struggle to demand land reforms and better rights. It also relates to nation-building, as the revolution led to a new constitution that aimed to create a fairer and more equal society in Mexico.
Platt Amendment (1901)
the platt amendment permittted the US to intervene in Cuban affairs for the preservarion of Cuba’s independence and the maintence of government. It set the stage for an era of infromal imperialism by the united states.
The Platt Amendment connects to the theme of American ideas about independence, equality, and nation-building because, while it allowed Cuba to become independent, it also limited Cuba’s full sovereignty by giving the U.S. control over certain affairs. This showed how the U.S. influenced nation-building in Latin America but often did so in ways that restricted true independence and equality for countries like Cuba.
War of the Triple Alliance (1864–1870)
A devastating war between Paraguay and the allied forces of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Paraguay suffered massive casualties and territorial losses.
The War of the Triple Alliance connects to the theme of Latin American strategies of resistance because Paraguay fought to defend its sovereignty against the much larger allied forces of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. It also relates to nation-building, as the war reshaped political and territorial dynamics in South America, leading to long-lasting impacts on Paraguay’s development and national identity.
Adolfo Díaz (1875–1964)
A Nicaraguan politician who became president twice with U.S. support, which helped him stay in power during times of political conflict. Díaz allowed the U.S. to have a strong influence over Nicaragua, including control over its economy and military, which caused tensions within the country.
Adolfo Díaz connects to the theme of American ideas about independence, and nation-building because his presidency showed how the U.S. influenced nation-building in Latin America by supporting leaders who aligned with American interests. However, his reliance on U.S. support also limited Nicaragua’s true independence, creating tensions over foreign control and national sovereignty.
John C. Calhoun (1782–1850)
A U.S. statesman who defended slavery and territorial expansion, advocating for Southern dominance in Latin America. His policies influenced U.S. interventionist approaches.
connects to the theme of U.S. and Latin American perceptions of race because he was a strong supporter of slavery and argued that it was a positive institution, reflecting the racial beliefs of his time. His defense of slavery highlighted how race shaped political and social systems in the U.S.,
Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty (1903)
An agreement granting the U.S. control over the Panama Canal Zone. It ensured American dominance in the region but was widely** resented by Panamanians.**
connects most to the theme of** American ideas about independence, equality, and nation-building** because it allowed the U.S. to build the Panama Canal, which was seen as a way to strengthen trade and global power. However, the treaty also limited Panama’s independence and control over its own territory, showing how U.S. nation-building efforts sometimes came at the expense of Latin American sovereignty.
Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919)
A U.S. president who expanded American influence in Latin America through the Roosevelt Corollary. He played a key role in constructing the Panama Canal.
Theodore Roosevelt connects most to the theme of American ideas about independence, equality, and nation-building because he promoted U.S. expansion and influence, especially through the Panama Canal and the Roosevelt Corollary, which justified U.S. intervention in Latin America to maintain stability. His actions reflected the belief that building American strength and influence was key to shaping a powerful and secure nation.
Rubén Darío (1867–1916)
A Nicaraguan poet and diplomat who criticized U.S. imperialism and promoted Latin American cultural identity. His works influenced nationalist movements across the region.
connects to Latin American strategies of resistance because he used his poetry to criticize U.S. influence and defend Latin American culture. His writing was a way to protect and celebrate Latin America’s identity against foreign control.
James Polk (1795–1849)
A U.S. president who expanded American territory through the Mexican-American War. he gained large areas of land including, texas, oregon, califronia. His belief in Manifest Destiny shaped U.S.-Mexico relations.
James Polk connects most to the theme of American ideas about independence, equality, and nation-building because he believed in Manifest Destiny and worked to expand the U.S. across North America, shaping the nation’s growth and power. His actions, like leading the Mexican-American War, were aimed at building a larger and stronger nation, even though it came at the expense of other countries’ territories.
Narciso López (1797–1851)
A Venezuelan filibuster who tried to help Cuba gain independence from Spanish rule. He led several failed attempts to invade Cuba with support from American volunteers, hoping to free the island and make it part of the United States.
Connects most to the theme of Latin American strategies of resistance because he led armed efforts to free Cuba from Spanish rule, using military action as a way to fight for independence. His actions showed how some Latin American leaders used invasions and alliances as strategies to resist colonial control and push for nation-building.
José Santos Zelaya (1853–1919)
A Nicaraguan president who resisted U.S. influence and sought to modernize Nicaragua. He wanted Nicaragua to be more independent from foreign influence, esp the U.S. With help from the U.S. was eventually removed from power.
connects most to the theme of Latin American strategies of resistance because he worked to reduce foreign influence, especially from the United States. His efforts to modernize the country and resist U.S. control were part of his strategy to protect Nicaragua’s sovereignty and promote national progress.
Carlos Tobar (1854–1920)
An Ecuadorian diplomat known for opposing U.S. interventionist policies in Latin America. He advocated for regional unity against imperialism. He is known for creating the Tobar Doctrine, which aimed to support stability and lawful government in Latin America.
connects most to the theme of American ideas about independence, equality, and nation-building because his Tobar Doctrine promoted the idea that llawful and stable governments were essential for building strong and independent nations. By refusing to recognize governments that came to power through violence, Tobar aimed to encourage peaceful nation-building and protect democratic values in Latin America.
Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924)
A U.S. president who intervened in Latin American politics under the guise of promoting democracy. His interventions often limited Latin American sovereignty and were seen as U.S. control over the region.
connects to the theme of American ideas about independence, equality, and nation-building because he aimed to spread democracy and stability in Latin America, though often through military intervention. His efforts to shape political outcomes in countries like Mexico, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic reflected the U.S.’s broader goal of influencing nation-building in the region, even at the cost of limiting local sovereignty.
Andrew Jackson (1767–1845)
7th president of the U.S. and was known for being a strong and controversial leader.
Antonio López de Santa Anna (1794–1876
A Mexican general and politician who led Mexico during conflicts like the Texas Revolution and the Mexican-American War. His shifts in political stance made him a controversal figure in mexican history.
connects most to the theme of Latin American strategies of resistance because he led Mexico’s military efforts to resist foreign invasions. His leadership reflected Mexico’s struggle to defend its sovereignty and territory, even though his defeats ultimately weakened the nation.
Reconcentration (1890s)
A Spanish policy in Cuba that forced rural populations into camps to prevent them from helping rebels. the conditions of the camps were terrible and led to disease, hunger and deaths of thousands. This harsh policy helped build support for U.S. intervention in the Spanish-American War.
connects most to the theme of Latin American strategies of resistance because it was Spain’s attempt to suppress Cuban resistance by isolating civilians from rebel fighters. However, the policy backfired by increasing Cuban determination to fight for independence and drew the United States attention to their struggle for freedom.
Fordlandia (1928–1945)
A failed industrial town in the Amazon, created by Henry Ford to produce rubber. The project failed due to resistance from indigenous workers and environmental challenges.
connects to the theme of American ideas about independence, equality, and nation-building because it reflected the U.S. attempt to impose its industrial and cultural values in Brazil by creating a model American town. However, the project failed as it clashed with local culture and conditions, showing the challenges of trying to shape another nation’s development based on foreign ideals.
Henry Ford (1863–1947)
An American industrialist who attempted to impose his vision of modernization in Latin America through Fordlandia. His failure highlighted the limits of U.S. industrial imperialism.
connects most to the theme of American ideas about independence, equality, and nation-building because his attempt to build Fordlândia reflected his belief in spreading American industrial values to Latin America as a way to promote progress and modernization. However, the failure of the project showed that U.S. industrial models can not be easily applied in different cultural and enviormental settings.
