1. Do not yell out the answer!!!
Which of the following most accurately describes the central purpose of the Monroe Doctrine?
 A. limits European influence in the Western Hemisphere
B. gains official independence from England
C. establishes the southern border of the US and Mexico
D. establishes the President of the US as the head of the United Nations

2. Explanation
The Monroe Doctrine was a policy established by the United States in the administration of President James Monroe that sought to limit European influence in the Western Hemisphere. President Monroe's message to Congress put "European Powers" on notice that American continents were off limits to European colonization, and that any attempts to interfere with American lands would be considered the "manifestation of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States."

3. European Empires in the New World
300 Years of European Rule
The Spanish (French, Portuguese, Dutch, English) dominated the social, racial and political system
Plantation System – need for labor (slaves)

4. Key Points
Mercantilism: Plantations in the Colonies (cotton, sugar cane) provide raw materials for mother country
The need for workers results in slavery
(the west end of the Triangle Trade / Middle Passage)
Native indigenous population (Indians) are decimated due to disease and murder
Spanish influence in the Americas is significant.
(spread of Christianity, culture, customs, language)

5. Social Hierarchy (Caste System)
Based on Skin Color
Peninsulares
(European Born)
Creoles (European descended Latin Americans)
Mestizos & Mulattoes (mixed blood)
Native Indians & African Slaves

6. Root Causes of Unrest Growth of Nationalism (pride in one’s nation)
Racial and Social Injustice
European Domination / Exploitation

7. The “Spark” of Independence
Napoleon’s Invasion of Spain in 1808 ignites widespread revolt across Latin America
Mexican Independence won from Spain 1821
Creole lead - (European descendants born in the Americas)

8. Simon Bolivar “The Great Liberator”
Educated in Europe
Admirer of the Ideals
of the French Revolution
“I swear before God and by my honor
never to allow my hands to be idle nor
my soul to rest until I have broken the
chains that bind us to Spain.”

9. Bolivar in South America 1800 - 1825
1810 uprising establishes a new Republic in his native Venezuela
1819 New Granada (Columbia) freed
By 1821 – Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia are free of Spanish rule

10. Dreams and Disappointments
By 1824 wars of independence are over
Bolivar’s dream of “one nation” - Gran Columbia - splits into 3 nations (Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador)
Power struggles and local rivalries trigger violent civil war
Years of military juntas & continued oppression of the common people

11. European Empires in Latin America