Born in Blood and Fire Chapters 1-5 Flashcards

Encomienda System

• An institution where indigenous people were assigned to a Spanish conqueror, expected to pay labor and tribute.
• In return, the conqueror was responsible for instructing them in Christianity.

Indigenous Peoples of Brazil

• Tupi: Semi-sedentary forest dwellers organized by tribes and gender roles, without strict social classes.

Influential Historical Figures

• Pedro Alvarez Cabral: Portuguese commander who discovered Brazil, initially naming it "Island of the True Cross."
• Francisco Pizarro: Conquistador who defeated the Inca Empire with the help of indigenous allies.
• Sor Juana de la Cruz: Mexican nun, denied university access; critiqued for pursuing knowledge in science and mathematics.

Social Constructs and Movements

• Honor in Latin America: Defined by adherence to prescribed roles for men and women, reflecting societal expectations.
• Rebellion of Gonzalo Pizarro: A revolt against the New Laws of Peru, led to the execution of its leader.
• Quilombos and Palenques: Sanctuaries for escaped slaves in Brazil and the Spanish Caribbean, respectively.

Major Independence Leaders

• Tupac Amaru II: Mestizo leader claiming Inca descent, instigated rebellion against the peninsular elite in Peru.
• Miguel Hidalgo: Mexican independence leader executed after inspiring an uprising against Spanish rule.
• Jose Maria Morelos: Aimed to abolish slavery and the caste system, executed in 1815.

Political Structures and Class

• Creoles: Native-born whites who played a prominent role in independence movements.
• Peninsulars: Spaniards born in the Iberian Peninsula, often held higher social status than Creoles.

Nationalism and Political Movements

• Nativism: Political ideology prioritizing native-born citizens over immigrants, fostering early nationalism amid independence wars.
• Pedro I: Declared Brazil an independent constitutional monarchy, symbolizing Brazilian nationalism.
• Augustin de Iturbide: Declared Mexico a constitutional monarchy, balancing traditional privileges.

Key Military Figures

• Simon Bolivar: Known as "the Liberator," he unified efforts for independence across several South American countries.
• Jose Antonia Paez: Venezuelan general who played a significant role in securing independence and later became president.

Social Hierarchies and Conflict

• Caste System: A legally codified social structure based on race that affected rights and privileges in colonial Latin America.
• Caudillos: Strong political leaders with personal loyalties; notably dominant during the 19th century, especially in Spanish America.

Economic Systems and Policies

• Engenho: Portuguese sugar cane mills that defined the economy of colonial Brazil.
• Royal Fifth: A 20% tax imposed on mining revenues by the Spanish Crown.

Cultural and Social Movements

• Indigenismo: A movement celebrating indigenous heritage while promoting assimilation into national identity.
• Transculturation: The merging of European, African, and indigenous cultures, creating unique Latin American identities.

Political Structures and Governance

• Viceroyalty: Largest administrative division in Spanish/Portuguese America, governed by a viceroy representing the monarchy.
• Estado Novo: Authoritarian regime in Brazil under Getulio Vargas, emphasizing industrialization and expansion of government.

Historical Context of Wars and Rebellions

• Ten Years War: A conflict leading to Cuba's independence from Spain.
• Dirty War: A campaign against left-wing opposition in Argentina during the 1970s.

Key Concepts in Governance and Society

• Liberalism: Political ideology promoting civil liberties and economic freedoms, influenced by European models.
• Hegemony: A concept where a ruling class maintains dominance through ideological control rather than force.