Latin American Revolutions AP World History
Latin America – Problems/Causes Geography Colonial heritage Rigid Social Order Peninsulares – Europeans born in Spain Creoles – colonial born white aristocrats (dominated society) Mestizos / Mulattos – mixes of Europeans and Indians or slaves Indians / Descendants of slaves Slave uprising in Haiti Catholicism dominated life
South America Simon Bolivar (Creole from Venezuela) known as “the liberator” starts a revolt in northern South America Leads to independence of Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Bolivia, & Ecuador (was Gran Colombia) Jose de San Martin (Argentina) all of Spanish South America is independent (republics)
Brazil 1808 – Napoleon invades Portugal Rio de Janeiro is made the capital Pedro I was a liberal ruler - brought reforms in education, military academies, art & medicine September 1822 – won full independence and chooses constitutional monarchy as form of government Openly opposed slavery Did not have to endure a prolonged, bloody revolution
Mexico 1810 – Father Hidalgo wanted political freedom, to end slavery, and improve living conditions for Mexico’s poor Lead Amerindians & mestizos in armed movement 1811 – insurrection is put down by Spanish army Hidalgo is captured and executed 1813 – Jose Maria Morelos takes over after Hidalgo declares independence Captured & executed 1815
Mexico Now led by Augustin de Iturbide Made himself emperor Deposed in 1823 full independence declared Mexico declares itself a republic in 1823 Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, & Honduras follow suit
Mexican Continued Instability 1876 – Porfirio Diaz begins 35 year rule of Mexico eliminated opposition, but encouraged economic growth 1910 – Middle class begins movement for election reform escalates into 10 year rebellion (Mexican Revolution) 1921 – New constitution written limited foreign investment, restricted church ownership of property & education reform