Latin American Independence Movements Overview

Nov 15, 2024

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

    • SimĂłn BolĂ­var’s leadership unifying diverse groups against Spain
    • Achieved independence by 1825 with contributions from JosĂ© de San MartĂ­n

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.

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