Latin Revolutions

Although often overlooked Latin revolutions have had a profound impact on the political and social make-up of the world as we know it.

Definition•Revolution, forcible and often violent

change of a social or political order by a sizable segment of a country's population.

Revolution

Does a revolution have to be violent?What is the difference between a revolution and a rebellion or coup d’ etat?

Background

The French RevolutionEnlightenmentColonial power in Latin America

Latin Revolutions General Facts:

South America: Who:

When:

Why:

How:

Mexico:Who:

When:

Why:

How:

Brazil: Who:

When:

Why:

How:

Latin American Colonial SocietyPeninsulares- born in SpainCreoles- Spaniards or French born in Latin America. Often mixed race (European and African)Mulattos- Mixed European and African ancestryMestizos –Mixed European and Indian ancestryIndians- Native Americans Europeans

Revolution in Haiti

The vast majority of Saint Domingue’s population were enslaved Africans.In August of 1791

100,000 slaves rose in revolt.

Toussaint L’Ouverture emerged as the leader of the slave revolt.By 1801 L’Ouverture had control of the territory and freed the slaves.

Revolution in Haiti

During the civil war that followed the Haitian slave uprising, British and Spanish forces invaded the French colony. Haitian leader Toussaint L'Ouverture defeated the European generals in battle, then ruled Haiti until 1802.

Revolution in Haiti

1802, 16,000 French troops are sent by Napoleon to depose Toussaint and regain control of Haiti. Toussaint is double crossed by the French and imprisoned in 1802.He died in 1803

Revolution in Haiti

Toussaint’s general Jean-Jacques Dessalines continued the fight against the French in 1804.

He declared the colony an independent country.

What is the big deal?

The revolution directly impacted the United States.

Refugees from Haiti pored into Louisiana.These refugees from Saint-Domingue—white planters, mulatto artisans, and some African slaves—brought with them their language, religion, laws, newspapers, education, art, and their skills at growing sugar, all of which strongly influenced the culture of the lower South.

French Imperialism and the U.S.

The French failure to regain control over Saint-Domingue also influenced Napoleon to abandon efforts to build an empire in the western hemisphere. In 1803 France sold its North American province of Louisiana.

Haitian Influence throughout South America

Haiti was the 2nd independent nation (free from European rule)

What was the first?

Haiti gave support to Simón Bolívar, leader of the movement for South American independence from Spain in the early 1800s.

In return, Bolivar made abolition of slavery one of the goals of his movement.

The End of Spanish Rule

Napoleon’s conquest of Spain in 1808 spurs revolts throughout the Spanish colonies.

Two brilliant generals emerged during these wars of independence, Simon Bolivar and Jose de San Martin.

How did Enlightenment ideas spur on these Latin Revolutions?

Bolivar visited Europe and then the new US, there he studied the US government and documents

Liked the ideas of democracy and equality for all

Bolivar visited London looking for support. There he found ideas from:

John Locke, Thomas Paine, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Voltaire

Simon BolivarSimón Bolívar helped win independence from Spain for Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Revered throughout South America, Bolívar earned the name The Liberator. He won Venezuela’s independence in 1821.

Jose de San MartinArgentine general José de San Martín helped lead South America to freedom from Spanish rule. San Martín is regarded as one of Argentina’s foremost heroes.

Bolivar and San Martin

Met in 1822 (in modern day Ecuador)

Bolivar took charge of both armies• San Martin left• Bolivar completed the liberation of Peru

– Unknown of Bolivar angered San Martin and caused him to leave or if San Martin left knowing Bolivar was more capable.

Revolution in MexicoIndian and Mestizos led by Padre Hidalgo called for independence from Spain on Sept. 16, 1810.

Spanish and Creole forces crushed the “unruly” rebels in 1811.Padre Jose Maria Morelos rose up in 1811 to continue the revolution.

• In 1815 he was defeated by Agustin de Iturbide (a Creole man).

In a strange change of events Iturbide – the man who defeated Morelos – proclaimed independence for Mexico in 1821.

• Why were they ready for independence 11 years later?

Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna

Helped Mexico gain independence from Spanish rule in 1821Became President of Mexico four times from 1833-1855 Fought the US in the 1830’s to regain control of TexasIn 1848 he lost to the U.S. and signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Santa Anna cont.Mexico lost a lot of land including California, Texas, and the present day New Mexico and Arizona areaThe Alamo, a famous site in San Antonio, Texas where Mexican forces defeated U.S. colonists

Benito Juarez A Zapotec Indian who became a powerful politicianLed a reform movement, La Reforma Education and distributing land fairly were his goals Became President in 1861 Promoted trade, opened roads, and rail roads

The French

The wealthy conservatives invited the French because leaders like Juarez threatened their powerMay 5, 1862, Mexico defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla- celebrated today as Cinco de Mayo

But…Napolean III sent an army to Mexico and took control of Mexico in the 1863

Austrian archduke Maximilian ruled Mexico as emperor for a short time

Porfirio DiazGained power and ruled Mexico from 1867-1911He was an Indian from OaxacaBuilt banks, stabilized the currency, and increased foreign investmentThe rich became wealthier and the poor became poorerDiaz worsened the conditions in Mexico, giving rise to revolution

Francisco MaderoFrom a rich family and educated in the U.S. (UC Berkeley)Began the new Mexican Revolution with his push for a democratic governmentWas exiled into the U.S. by Diaz, then he called for an armed revolution allowing “Pancho” Villa and Zapata to gain power

Francisco “Pancho” Villa

Popular figure from North Mexico

Had qualities similar to “Robin-Hood”

Fought and supported the poor and landlessHe was wanted by the U.S. for murdering U.S. citizens in Columbus, New Mexico

Emiliano Zapata

Was the leader of a Southern army in MexicoForced Diaz out of power in 1911Supported the poor and wanted land redistribution

Venustiano Caranza

Was supported by Villa and ZapataBecame President after General Victoriano Huerta was removed from powerHe turned against Zapata and Villa and had Zapata murdered

Overview of the Mexican Revolution

Over a million Mexicans diedThere was a constant power struggle between the leaders and dictators of MexicoThe real revolution was fought between the rich, who controlled most of the land, and the poor, which was the majority of the population

The Mexican Constitution

It broke up large sections of ownershipBanned foreign ownership of landEstablished minimum wageLabor unions and the right to strike were establishedGov. took over land owned by the ChurchGov. took over natural resources

Brazil’s Battle for Independence

Brazil had been a Portuguese Colony until the French conquest of Spain and Portugal.After Napoleon’s defeat in 1815 the Portuguese government wanted to make Brazil, it’s largest former colony, part of the Portuguese empire.

1822, Creoles in Brazil demand independence from Portugal and petition for a new ruler.September 7, 1822 marks the official declaration of Brazilian independence.Independence was won through a bloodless revolution

Disunity

What were some of the negative consequences of independence in Latin America?

Increase in povertyDevastated countryside

Discuss

Who has the right to govern-Colonial powers (ie: Spain) or the citizens?