Liberalism and the Catholic Church in 19th-Century Latin America PDF

Goals of lecture… Liberalism and the Catholic Church (in 19th-Century Latin America) Provide overview of Catholic Church during the colonial and independence periods Emphasize the goals of “second generation” on Liberals in Latin America Describe “La Reforma” in Mexico’s history Explain how “La Refo...

Goals of lecture… Liberalism and the Catholic Church (in 19th-Century Latin America) Provide overview of Catholic Church during the colonial and independence periods Emphasize the goals of “second generation” on Liberals in Latin America Describe “La Reforma” in Mexico’s history Explain how “La Reforma” led to war in Mexico and triggered the subsequent arrival of Maximillian as Mexico’s emperor Images selected herein for unique classroom presentation and may be subject to copyright Review of Catholic Church During Early Colonial Period Partnered with monarchy (Christendom) Spread of Christianity was Spain’s ‘rationale” for empire Successfully converted millions of indigenous peoples to Christianity Very powerful institution. Had own courts and special privileges (fueros) Church built schools, hospitals, orphanages and other charitable institutions Priests and nuns came almost exclusively from wealthy white sector 2 Review of Catholic Church During Late Colonial Period Whereas the Habsburgs saw Church as a valuable partner, the Bourbons saw Church as too powerful Bourbons privileged parish priests over “regulars” (Franciscans, Dominicans, Augustinians, etc.) Catholicism remained central to the identity of most Latin Americans Jesuits expelled from Latin America in 1767 A few men of color able to join priesthood 3 Catholic Priests During Wars for Independence The L.A. wars of independence were not hostile to the Catholic Church Priests who were born in Spain or who were the children of wealthy creoles usually supported the King and were royalists (see next slide) Priests who served Indian and casta parishioners in poorer areas usually supported independence. Some priests became leaders of Independence, such as Miguel Hidalgo and José María Morelos of Mexico Bishop José de Cuero y Caicedo served as president of Quito’s revolutionary junta Father (later archbishop) Francisco Xavier de Luna Pizarro participated in Peru’s constitutional convention 4 The “Upper Clergy” During and After the Wars for Independence Pope Pius VII (1800-23) and his successor Pope Leo XII (1823-29) encouraged Spanish priests to support King Ferdinand VII and the royalists Many large institutions, like the R.C.C., have complex and hierarchical chains of command. The term “upper clergy” is meant to denote the more powerful members within that organization such as bishops, cardinals, and the Pope. (Royalist) Catholic bishops and archbishops in Spanish America excommunicated priests who joined the insurgency. The Catholic Church after Independence generally supported conservative politicians, favored monarchy or strong man rule (caudillaje). It feared liberalism and anticlericalism 5 “First Generation” Liberals in Early 19th-Century Spanish America (c. 1820-1840) These “first-generation” Liberals in Spanish America… Were not anti-clerical. “Anti-clericalism” is defined as “opposed to the power or influence of the clergy [in secular affairs]” and “opposition to the clergy” or hatred for clergy and the Church Example of 1824 Mexican Constitution (written by Liberals): “In the name of God Almighty, author and supreme legislator of society…The religion of the Mexican nation is and will always be Roman Apostolic, the nation protects it with its wise and just laws and prohibits the exercise of any other…” 6 7 But, as the 1800s continue, Liberals become increasingly frustrated with the Church and more radical The Catholic Church… Wealthy and powerful Monopoly on religious expression Monopoly on education Criticized by Liberals for stifling intellectual and economic development Criticized (unfairly?) for charging excessive fees for services Largest landowner in most countries (but most of it lands were fallow) Maintained its special colonial-era privileges or fueros Powerful upper clergy were usually aligned with Conservative politicians Liberals (by the 1850s) want to seize Church wealth and land and to secularize society 8 (The 1st post-independence “generation” of Liberals in Spanish America (c. 1820-1840) was moderate and not hostile toward the Church, but the 2nd “generation” of Liberlas (especially after 1850) was much more antagonistic toward the Church—so much so, in fact, that they are said to have been anticlerical.) Goals of “Second Generation” Liberals (after c. 1840) Separate church and state End fueros (special privileges for clergy) Seize church lands and properties Create civil registry (rather than use Church to record baptisms, et.) Create secular education Allow freedom of religion (Jews and Protestants) 9 Famous AntiClerical Chilean: Francisco Bilbao (1823-1865) Quotes from Francisco Bilbao (Examples of Liberal Thought in 19th C. Latin America) (1844) “Spain is the Middle Ages. The soul and body of the Middle Ages are composed of Catholicism and feudalism.” “Under Catholicism, women are subordinated to their husbands. The result is the slavery of women.” “The clergy dominate individual citizens and obstruct free analysis and free thought…” 10 11 Famous AntiClerical Liberal Mexican: Benito Juárez 1st indigenous president in post-colonial Americas (s. 1858-1872) 1806-1872 Mexican Liberals Enact “The Reforma” (Anti-Clerical Measures to Secularize Society) Juárez Law (1855): Ends military and ecclesiastical fueros, establishing equality under the law Lafragua Law (1855): Freedom of expression Lerdo Law (1856): Ecclesiastical and civil institutions can’t own property not directly used in everyday operations. The church could keep its churches, monasteries and seminaries, but no other holdings accumulated over centuries Civil Marriage Law (1859): Marriage is a civil contract. Couples are officially married by state, not churches Other laws: Freedom of worship; state registry Secularize: To convert from religious to secular control or possession. To take away from the Church and give to a non-religious entity 12 Consequences of Reforma in Mexico Laws of la Reforma were incorporated into Mexico’s new (Liberal) 1857 Constitution (in effect until 1917) Nonetheless, Church remains primary educator and most people maintain strong allegiance to Catholicism Led to a civil war: The “War of the Reforma” (1858-1860), won by Liberals After losing that war, Mexican conservatives invite Maximillian (under control of France) to reign as emperor (thoroughly disgracing conservatives in Mexico) 13