1. Political Change Four events had an impact on L.A. political thought American Revolution--colonial rebellion French Revolution--revolution ideology Haitian Revolution—slave rebellion (independent Haiti) Spain and Portugal—invasion of French. Creoles had pledged loyalty to Spain but began to rule the colonies themselves during this time.

2. Mexican Revolution Creole Revolution that implements a monarchy based on Creole dominance. Collapses in 1824. Mexico becomes a republic and Central America divides into nation states Northern South America revolts. Led by Simon Bolivar. He wins victories in Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. The rest of Latin America follows and by 1825 all of Spanish America had won political independence. All were republics with representative governments

3. Brazilian Independence Brazil has large slave population, which has led the elite to consider independence French invasion of Portugal led the royal family and many nobility to flee Brazil’s ports open to world commerce (pressure from Britain—ally in war) Rio de Janeiro becomes capital Declares independence in 1822. Keeps social order based on slavery

4. Problems in society Many leaders of Latin American independence shared Enlightenment ideals Less agreement about the Catholic church Most leaders had egalitarian beliefs Slavery abolished by 1854

5. Problems in Society Better treatment of Indians and mestizos (NA and Euro) was blocked by the elite’s fears of losing tax revenue and control Political disunity because of size and lack of transportation. Government’s turned local Property and literacy qualifications limited voting; women subordinate to men

6. Caudillos, Politics and the Church New nations suffered from the warfare, ending in independence Armies loyal to their leaders led to the rise of caudillos (men who controlled local areas) They intervened in national politics to make and unmake governments They defended the interests of regional elites or of Indians and peasants

7. Caudillos, Politics and the Church In general they disregarded representative forms and the rule of law Landowners and the urban middle class led political parties that formed. Centralists—strong government with broad powers Federalists –regional governments Liberals—individual rights, opposed colonial society, less church influence Conservatives—centralized state, favored corporate groups ruled social action, happy with church influence

8. Economy British support led to them exploiting Latin America Wanted freedom of trade Economy becomes stagnant in early 19 th century. European market expansion created demand for local products Major consumer of Latin American products and sold its manufactured goods to the new nations Free entry and export of goods benefited port cities and landowners

9. Economy Damaged regional industries producing for internal markets End result=dependency on foreign markets reinforced the old order which made land the basis of wealth and prestige It does eventually lead to revenue for governments, transportation improvement and urban growth and surge in population