Overview
This lecture covers the causes and outcomes of Latin American revolutions and independence movements, including societal structures, key leaders, and the lasting effects on the region.
Pre-Independence Latin American Society
- Power was dominated by three institutions: the Spanish/Portuguese crown, the Catholic Church, and patriarchy.
- Colonies provided revenue to the crown through the "royal fifth," a 20% tax on all production.
- The Catholic Church controlled daily life and even set the weekly schedule.
- Patriarchy restricted women's rights and reinforced male authority, focusing on property inheritance and social "purity."
Social Structure and Cultural Blending
- Latin America had a rigid social hierarchy by race and birth, including Peninsulares (Spanish-born), Creoles (American-born whites), mestizos (white/Native), and mulattoes (white/Black).
- Mixed-race populations were common and often classified in complex, hierarchical "castas."
- Cultural blending (transculturation) created a distinct Latin American culture, seen in religion, food, music, and art.
Brazilian Independence
- Brazil was ruled by Portugal and experienced a relatively conservative independence movement.
- When Napoleon invaded Portugal, the royal family relocated to Brazil; King Joao remained there until 1821.
- Prince Pedro declared Brazil independent in 1822, becoming its monarch and preserving the elite social structure.
- Brazil abolished slavery last among the newly independent American countries, in 1888.
Mexican Revolution and Independence
- Napoleon’s installation of his brother on the Spanish throne triggered unrest in New Spain (Mexico).
- Early revolts led by priests (Padre Hidalgo and Father Morelos) had limited success due to divisions among creoles and mestizos.
- After Spain’s liberal revolution in 1820, Mexican elites allied with creoles for independence.
- Iturbide became monarch, but was soon overthrown, and Mexico became a republic with little change for peasants.
Revolution in South America
- In Venezuela, class divides between creole elites and mixed-race llanero cowboys complicated revolution.
- SimĂłn BolĂvar unified different groups by emphasizing South American identity and led successful campaigns across northern South America.
- JosĂ© de San MartĂn led key campaigns against the Spanish in Chile and Peru.
- By 1825, Spanish rule had ended in most of Latin America.
Aftermath and Legacy
- Most Latin American countries adopted popular sovereignty and became independent nation states.
- Social hierarchies and Church power largely remained; patriarchy persisted.
- Independence did not always lead to equality or stable governance, with many later military dictatorships.
- National identities and multiculturalism emerged, but revolutions were not always deeply transformative.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Peninsulares — Spanish-born whites living in Latin America.
- Creoles — Whites born in the Americas to European parents.
- Mestizo — Person of mixed white and Native American descent.
- Mulatto — Person of mixed white and African descent.
- Royal Fifth — 20% colonial tax paid to the Spanish crown.
- Transculturation — Cultural blending between different groups.
- Popular Sovereignty — Principle that authority comes from the people.
- Patriarchy — Social system in which men hold primary power.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the roles of major figures like SimĂłn BolĂvar, JosĂ© de San MartĂn, and key events in the Mexican independence movement.
- Read further on how social hierarchy and church influence persisted after independence.
- Prepare to discuss whether Latin American revolutions were truly revolutionary in social and political terms.