Latin American Independence Movements Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following factors contributed most directly to the weakening of the Spanish Empire in the early 19th century?

  • The Enlightenment ideals of individual liberty and self-governance
  • The Haitian Revolution
  • The economic decline of Spain in the 18th century
  • The Napoleonic Wars and the Peninsula War (correct)

How did the French Revolution and Napoleon's actions contribute to the independence movements in Latin America?

  • Napoleon's support for republican ideals inspired Latin American revolutionaries.
  • Napoleon's conquest of Spain weakened the Spanish monarchy, allowing for the rise of local juntas. (correct)
  • Napoleon's invasion of Spain fostered a sense of autonomy and self-governance among the colonies. (correct)
  • Napoleon's military prowess provided a model for Latin American rebellions.

What was the role of local juntas in the early stages of Latin American independence movements?

  • They were appointed by the Spanish crown to maintain order in the colonies.
  • They were committees of wealthy Creoles who advocated for independence from Spain.
  • They were formed to oppose the French invasion of Spain and maintain loyalty to the Spanish king. (correct)
  • They represented the interests of the indigenous population and fought against Spanish rule.

The 'Treaty of Valencay' is significant because it:

<p>Recognized the legitimacy of Ferdinand VII as the King of Spain. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main difference between the 'Loyalists' and the 'Rebels' during the Latin American independence movements?

<p>Loyalists sought to maintain ties with Spain, while Rebels favored independence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a key factor in the eventual success of the independence movements in Latin America?

<p>The emergence of strong military leaders like Simon Bolivar and Jose de San Martin. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The term 'Creole' in this context specifically refers to:

<p>People of European descent born in the Americas. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Constitution of 1812, known as 'La Pepa', contribute to the growing sense of independence in Latin America?

<p>It created a new system of representation for the colonies in the Spanish Cortes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reasons contributed to the breakdown of the Loyalist Elite in Latin America?

<p>The rise of charismatic leaders like Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín inspired the colonial rebels, drawing support away from the Loyalist Elite. (B), The defeat of Spain at Trafalgar significantly weakened Spain's military capacity to support its colonies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Catholic Church's role in Latin America contribute to the independence movements?

<p>Local priests, often sympathetic to the rebels, acted as intermediaries between the Creole elite and the broader colonial society. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the promise of a new social pact by both the conservatives and the rebels have on the independence movements?

<p>It created confusion and distrust among the population, with many unsure which side to support. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary factor contributing to the political instability in Spain that ultimately benefited the independence movements in Latin America?

<p>The return of Ferdinand VII to the throne and his rejection of the Cadiz Constitution. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Napoleonic Wars contribute to the success of the independence movements in Latin America?

<p>The wars depleted Spain's financial resources and weakened its military, making it difficult to maintain control over its colonies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did the mestizo population play in the independence movements?

<p>They were divided in their allegiances, with some supporting the rebels and others siding with the Spanish. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following most accurately describes the role of charismatic leaders in the independence movement?

<p>They inspired the colonies with their vision of independence, building a narrative of self-determination that resonated with the people. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the return of Ferdinand VII to the throne impact the independence movements in Latin America?

<p>It strengthened the Spanish government's resolve to suppress the rebellions and regain control of the colonies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a major factor contributing to the success of the independence movements in Latin America?

<p>The ability of the rebels to unify both the Creole elite and the lower classes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the best interpretation of the statement "The promise of a new social pact was broken" in the context of Latin American independence?

<p>The promises of greater rights and freedoms for the lower classes were largely unfulfilled after independence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Creole

A person of mostly Spanish descent born in the New World.

Simon Bolivar

A leader of the Latin American revolutions against Spanish rule.

Enlightenment Thinking

Ideas promoting individual rights and independence in the 18th century.

Haitian Revolution

A slave revolt in Haiti from 1791-1804 against French colonial rule.

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Spanish War of Independence

A conflict resulting from the French invasion and support for Ferdinand VII.

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Local Juntas

Self-governing committees formed to resist French rule.

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Ferdinand VII

King of Spain whose authority was recognized by Latin American colonies.

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Split of Criollo

Division between rebels for independence and loyalists wanting to remain Spanish.

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Loyalist Elite Breakup

The split between colonial rebels and liberal loyalists after 1814.

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Cadiz Constitution of 1812

Spain's first liberal constitution establishing a constitutional monarchy.

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Ambivalent Catholic Church

Divisions within the church affected its role in supporting independence.

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Local Clergy's Role

Local clergy connected the criollo elite with the broader colonial society.

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The New Social Pact

Failed trust between the Spanish criollos and the general population.

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Charismatic Leaders

Influential figures like Simon Bolivar who inspired the independence movement.

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Political Instability

Return of Ferdinand VII caused unrest and rejection of liberal reforms.

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Economic Weakness

Spain faced military and economic struggles post-Napoleonic wars.

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Military Weakness

Limited support for colonies after Trafalgar weakened Spain’s military.

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Diversity in Rebellion

Various marginalized groups had different perspectives during the revolt.

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Study Notes

Latin American Independence Movements: General Context

  • Creole: Person of mostly Spanish descent born in the New World.
  • Key Revolutionary Figures: Simón Bolívar played a leading role.
  • Influence of Other Revolutions: American Revolution (1776-1783), Haitian Revolution (1791-1904) influenced the Latin American movements.
  • Motivations for Independence: Enlightenment ideas emphasizing self-determination; French Revolution, Napoleonic Era.
  • Spanish Empire's Decline: The Peninsular War (French invasion) significantly weakened Spain's authority and control over its colonies.
  • Napoleon's Role: French invasion of Spain, led to the Abdication of Bayon and revolts.

The Breakdown of Spanish Control

  • Spanish War of Independence: Caused by the French invasion.
  • Juntas: Local governing bodies formed in Spanish colonies to resist French rule (mostly).
  • Treaty of Fontainebleau: Allowed French to pass through Spain to attack Portugal.
  • Return of Ferdinand II: The Treaty of Valençay re-established Ferdinand VII as Spanish King, but did not resolve the underlying issues.
  • Impact on Europe: Widespread economic disruption.

Resistance to Rebellion

  • Resistance to the French: Refusal to recognize French rule.
  • Rejection of Spanish Juntas: Refusal to accept the authority of these bodies.
  • Claim of Autonomy: Colonists recognized only King Ferdinand VII's authority and declared themselves autonomous units.
  • Radicalization: Some within the juntas moved towards independence and separation, creating a significant split between loyalists and rebels.

Factors Contributing to Independence Success

  • Loyalist Elite Fracture: Division between liberal and conservative loyalists created opportunities for rebels.
  • Church's Ambivalent Role: Divisions within the Church, with some clergy supporting the rebels and others loyal to Spain and the crown. Local clergy played a vital role in achieving legitimacy and uniting the elite with the populace.
  • Promise of a New Social Pact: Rebels leveraged promises of better rights for different groups to gain influence and support.
  • Charismatic Leaders: Leaders like Bolívar, San Martín, and Hidalgo inspired significant support across the colonies.
  • Spain's Weakened State: Economic, political, and military crises after the Napoleonic Wars significantly weakened Spain's ability to control its colonies.

Triumph of Independence

  • Political Instability in Spain: The return of Ferdinand VII and his unwillingness to accept the 1812 Constitution created unrest.
  • Economic Weakening and Military Losses: Spain was economically and militarily crippled, unable to adequately defend its vast territories.

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