Latin American Independence & The Rise of the Class-Based Society

Posted on Aug 15, 2024 in History

Latin American Independence

Causes of Independence

  • **Enlightenment Ideas:** The Age of Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and individual rights fueled the desire for self-governance.
  • **Influence of Revolutions:** The American, French, and Spanish Wars of Independence served as inspiring examples for Latin American colonists.
  • **British Financial Assistance:** Great Britain’s support for independence movements further weakened Spanish control.

Sequence of Events

The independence movements began during the Spanish War of Independence. Colonies formed juntas to govern in the name of Fernando VII. Upon his return, Fernando VII attempted to regain control, leading to continued revolts.

Key victories by leaders like José de San Martín and Simón Bolívar secured independence for nations like Chile, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. By the mid-19th century, most of Spain’s American colonies had achieved independence, with the exception of Cuba and Puerto Rico.

Consequences

For Spain:

  • Loss of hegemony and international prestige.
  • Economic hardship.

For South America:

  • Rise of the Creole bourgeoisie to political and economic power.
  • Formation of new countries.
  • Growing influence of Great Britain.
  • Economic challenges due to free trade.

The Rise of the Class-Based Society

Romanticism’s Influence

Romanticism, a cultural and artistic movement of the early 19th century, emphasized creative freedom, individualism, emotional expression, and national history. It influenced various art forms, including music, literature, painting, sculpture, and architecture.

Origins of the Class-Based Society

The shift from the old estates system to a class-based society stemmed from the French and Industrial Revolutions. The French Revolution abolished noble and clerical privileges, while the Industrial Revolution empowered the wealthy bourgeoisie and gave rise to the working class.

Characteristics of the Class-Based Society

  • Social status determined by wealth and occupation.
  • Increased social mobility, though significant economic inequalities persisted.
  • Division into three main classes: upper, middle, and working.

The Upper Class

  • Wealthy bourgeoisie and nobility.

The Middle Class

  • Civil servants, lawyers, doctors.
  • Small-scale merchants, craftsmen, and farmers.

The Working Class

  • Industrial workers (proletariat) and tenant farmers.
  • Lived in extreme poverty with harsh working conditions.

The Working-Class Movement

Origins of Working-Class Politics

The hardships faced by the working class led to protests and the formation of organized movements. Key developments include:

  • **The Luddites (1811):** Protested against machinery, leading to government crackdowns.
  • **Trade Unions (1830s):** Advocated for better working conditions, despite being outlawed by governments.
  • **The Chartist Movement (1838-1848):** Demanded political reforms, such as universal male suffrage and worker protections.

These movements eventually forced concessions from governments and factory owners, paving the way for improved working conditions and greater political representation for the working class.