Wars in Latin America Flashcards
Initial social hierarchy of LA
Governed by peninsulares; Powerful + wealthy creolles
What group of people started this revolution and why?
Creolles because they wanted more power in society
Why did the criolles rebel?
Hated administrative control + economic regulations imposed by Iberian powers
Goal
Creolles wanted to replace the peninsulares at the hierarchy but keep their power
What gave them the opportunity to revolt?
Napoleonic Wars bc Napoleon invaded + conquered Spain -> Spanish colonists needed to rule themselves before monarchy was restored
Creole movements
Independence to all Spanish colonies in the Americas; Established creole-dominated republics
Mexican Independence
Revolts against Spanish rule
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla
Led indigenous people + mestizos against colonial rule in peasant revolts; Sought to address inequality and oppression
In what way did Hidalgo led the revolts?
Social + economic warfare; Calls for death of Spaniards
Result of Hidalgo’s brutality
Captured by conservative creoles + executed
Cry of Dolores
Hidalgo’s calling for the end of Spanish rule, for racial equality, and for redistribution of land
Symbol of Mexican indepedence
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla
Who declared Mexico independence from Spain?
Augustin de Iturbide
Augustin de Iturbide
Creole; Emperor of Mexico; Reign didn’t survive long bc he didn’t know how to govern
What happened after Iturbide’s rule?
Creole elites established a republic
Who led the movements for independence in South America?
Creole elites - Simon Bolivar
Simon Bolivar
Revolted against Spanish rule while Spanish king deposed; Forced into exile twice; Defeated Spanish Army + deposed Spanish leaders
Which Enlightenment ideas did Simon Bolivar support?
Popular sovereignty (JJR)
Jamaica Letter
Bolivar argues for the necessity of independence, emphasizing the importance of national identity and unity among Latin American countries
Goal of Simon Bolivar
Set up Gran Colombia - confederation of Spanish colonies in South America - Similar to US
Why didn’t Gran Columbia work?
Strong political + regional differences
Brazilian Independence Background
Napoleon chased away royal court from Portugal -> Fled to Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) -> King returned to Portugal with Pedro (son) behind in Brazil
Brazilian Independence
Pedro agreed with Brazilian creoles’ call for independence from Portugal
Result of Brazilian Independence
Monarchy (not republic) - creoles elites still dominated society
Social results of Latin American Independence
Little social change; Peninsulares returned to Europe; Creole elites at the top of the hierarchy; Continued slavery; Supported RCC; Oppressed the poor
Military results of Latin American Independence
Military authorities to caudillos who allied with creole elites
Caudillos
Local strongmen
Principle beneficiaries of the independence in Latin America
Creole elites
Who is known for winning the Independence for Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, Peru?
Simon Bolivar
What did this revolution lead to?
Independence from Iberian rule + Societies dominated by creole elites
