Revolutions in Latin America

Latin American Social Structure Revolutionary ideals were taken up by Creoles Creole-born of European parents in the Americas, they were well educated and aware of the ideas behind the revolutions in North America and France. Creoles considered themselves superior to the mestizos (born of European and Indian parents) Another group known as Peninsulares (born of Spanish or Portuguese descent) felt superior to everyone. African slaves were at the bottom of the social ladder.

Reasons for Discontent The Creoles wanted independence from Spain because of their mercantilist policies. These policies required colonist to buy manufactured goods only from Spain and sell their products only to Spain. Creoles were for the most part wealthy landowners, mine owners and business people. Spain gave important government jobs in the colonies to Peninsulares. Creoles wanted more political power

Continued… Mestizos also wanted political power as well as their share of the wealth. Many Mestizos worked in the mines or on the estates of the Peninsulares and the Creoles.

Comparing the Haitian and French Revolutions Both grew out of the Enlightenment’s insistence that men have natural rights as citizens. The legal restraints were limiting the freedom of people by forcing them into various estates (social classes) Haitians restraints were more severe because the rebellion was led by slaves who had no rights at all.

Timeline of Latin American Revolts Haiti 1791 Toussaint L’Ouverture leads an army of former slaves and ends slavery there. Mexico 1810 Father Hidalgo gives his “El Grito de Dolores” speech. Eventually Mexico wins independence Argentina 1816 San Martin’s defeats the Spanish Chile 1818 San Martin helps Bolivar liberate Chile Colombia 1819 Simon Bolivar surprises the Spanish at Bogota Venezuela 1821 Simon Bolivar liberates Venezuela