Crash Course World History: Revolution and Independence in Latin America

Introduction

• Presenter: John Green
• Focus: Revolution and independence in Latin America
• Challenges:
  • Latin America's size and diversity
  • Complications due to Napoleon
  • Revolutions not always being revolutionary

Pre-Independence Latin American Society

1. Spanish and Portuguese Crown

   • Colonies' role: Produce revenue through a 20% tax called the Royal Fifth
   • Efficient government administration for tax collection

2. Catholic Church

   • Influence over everyday life
   • Controlled time and social practices

3. Patriarchy

   • Husbands dominated wives
   • Strict control over women’s sexuality
   • Example: Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz's struggles due to patriarchy

Transculturation and Social Hierarchy

• Transculturation: Cultural blending among whites, Native Americans, and African slaves
  • Influences seen in religion, food, music, and fashion
• Racial Diversity and Hierarchy
  • Categories: White, Black, Mestizo, Mulatto
  • Casta paintings depicted racial classifications
  • "Gracias al Sacar": Legal transition to being considered white

Independence Movements Overview

• Brazil

  • Ruled by Portugal
  • Conservative revolution
  • Portuguese royal family moved to Brazil due to Napoleon
  • Independence achieved with minimal bloodshed
  • Maintained social hierarchy; last to abolish slavery (1888)

• Mexico

  • Initiated by Napoleon’s imposition of his brother on Spanish throne
  • Complex dynamics between Peninsulares, Creoles, and mestizo uprisings
  • Key figures: Padre Hidalgo and Father Moreles
  • Final independence through Creole-Mestizo alliance led by Iturbide and Guerrero
  • Resulted in a republic after Iturbide's overthrow

• Venezuela and Northern South America

  • Simón Bolívar’s leadership unifying diverse groups against Spain
  • Achieved independence by 1825 with contributions from José de San Martín

Results of Independence Movements

• Most Western Hemisphere free by 1825
• Popular sovereignty established
• Quick division into nation-states

Challenges and Limitations

• Persistent Social Hierarchy
  • Creoles replaced Peninsulares but maintained hierarchy
• Church Influence
  • Catholic Church remained strong
• Patriarchy
  • Women’s rights limited; voting rights extended only in the mid-20th century
• Bloody Conflicts and Instability
  • Significant death tolls, e.g., Mexican War for Independence
  • Continued instability and military dictatorships post-independence

Conclusion

• Independence movements were both revolutionary and not.
• Complex nature of terms like freedom and revolutionary.
• Future episodes will continue to explore these topics.

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• Production Credits: Stan Muller, Danica Johnson, Meredith Danko, Raul Meyer, and John Green.
• Engage with the series through comments and suggestions.