LAH - Exploration and Colonization (Lesson)

Exploration and Colonization

Introduction 

By the end of the 18th century, the United States had declared independence from England which led to the American Revolution. In Europe, France was involved in its own revolution called the French Revolution. These revolutions sparked interest and debate that stirred colonists in Latin America. The colonists wanted their own independence from the mother countries of France, Spain and Portugal, and African slaves wanted their freedom and independence from harsh colonial rule.

 

Conquistadors

In 1791, enslaved Africans began a revolt in Haiti that disrupted French rule. François-Dominique Toussaint L'Ouverture was the leader of the Haitian Revolution. His military expertise and leadership helped African slaves overthrow the French government in Haiti. In 1801, Toussaint L'Ouverture enacted a new constitution for the colony and appointed himself governor for life. In 1802 he was forced to resign by Napoleon Bonaparte. He was sent to France, where he later died in 1803. The Haitian Revolution continued under Toussaint L'Ouverture's lieutenant, Jean-Jacque Dessalines, who declared independence from France in early 1804. The French had lost two-thirds of forces sent to the island in an attempt to end the Haitian Revolution. However, most of the Frenchmen died of Yellow Fever shortly after arriving in Haiti.

Within the next decades, Spanish and Portuguese colonies fought for independence and freedom. In Mexico, a Catholic priest by the name of Miguel Hidalgo encouraged Mexico's citizens to fight for freedom against Spanish rule. In 1821, Mexico won their independence from Spain and became a republic in 1823. Also in 1823, Central America's countries including Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize became independent from Spain.

In 1817, José de San Martín fought for Argentina's and Chile's independence from Spain. Although it was difficult to fight because of the geologic problems associated with the Andes mountains, San Martin was able to capture Spanish forces and win battles. In 1819, Simón Bolívar led a fight for independence against Spain. He won and helped the countries of present day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Bolivia gain their independence from Spain. Simón Bolívar was known as the Liberator of Latin America for his military and political roles, compassion towards humanity, and fight towards independence.

All of Spain's colonies in Latin America had won their independence by 1824. Portugal also granted Brazil its independence in 1820.

 

 

Independence Struggles

Following their independence from Spain and Portugal, the newly formed independent nations had hoped to one day have a stable and secure economy with a democratic political system. Because of conflict and turmoil, most countries found this difficult to achieve. There continued to be political and religious conflict within governments. In addition, newly formed nations fought for political boundaries between neighboring countries. Additional tensions developed between the wealthy and poor populations.

Many Latin American countries passed laws to end slavery. Although still oppressed in many countries, Latin Americans of African descent were sometimes better off than Native Americans. Most Native Americans continued to live in poverty.

Part of the reason for the extreme poverty among various groups within Latin America resulted from a caste system that was established during colonial society during the 17th and 18th centuries. Different groups of people were separated into classes based on their origin of birth and race. The higher social classes enforced social and political control within Latin America's colonies, and impacted taxation and economics. Higher taxes and payments were demanded from the lower socio-racial groups by the Spanish colonial state and the Church. All the titles of the groups of people made up hierarchy Triangle which determined a person's place in society based on their birth, race, color, and ethnic origin.

 

• The Peninsulares were the highest ranked on the triangle. The peninsulares were men born in Spain who now resided in Latin America. They were the only ones who could run for a government or political position.
• The Criollos were just below the Peninsulares. The Criollos were Spaniards born in Latin America. They were not permitted to hold a high-level in politics. However, they had almost the same rights as the Penninsulares. In the 19th century, the Criollos rebelled against the peninsulares in the wars for independence.
• The Mestizos came directly after the Criollos. The Mestizos came from mixed Native American and European descent. Spanish men married Native American women and had families.
• After Mestizos were Mulattos, people of combined African and European descent.
• Below the Mestizos came the Indios . The Indios were people of Native American or Amerindian ancestry. Indios were allowed to assimilate into other classes depending on their wealth.
• Zambos were a mix between people with Native American and African descent.
• Africans a person of black African descent, usually were brought over from Africa as slaves during colonial rule. Several Africans escaped to freedom. Native Americans were sympathetic to the African populations within Latin America and took them into their homes and villages.

Caudillos in Latin America also made it difficult for the newly independent nations to become democratic. Caudillos were political or military leaders who were described as dictators. Caudillos were usually elected to power by the upper class and favored the wealthy over the poor. As a result, the wealthy class in Latin America flourished while the poor or working class struggled to find work and make a living.

Latin America's governments still face many challenges today. Latin America's illegal drug trade has increased the amount of corruption and crime within government systems. In addition, differences between social classes still exist today.

Many elected political figures have promised change as an attempt to help the poor, however, these changes continue to be non-apparent within many Latin American countries today.

 

Review

Review your terms for this module by completing the activity below.

 

 

 

 

 

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