⚔️ La independencia de Hispanoamérica | Revoluciones burguesas | Curso UNAM historia universal

Independence of Hispanoamerica: A Historical Overview

Introduction to Hispanoamerican Independence

• Carlos introduces the topic of the last bourgeois revolution, focusing on the independence of Hispanoamerica and its significance for exams.

• The term "independence of Hispanoamerica" refers to the liberation movements in Spanish-speaking countries across America.

Colonial Structure and Dominance

• During the 19th century, Mexico and Central American nations were part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, under Spanish rule.

• South American countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama formed the Viceroyalty of New Granada; Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia made up the Viceroyalty of Río de la Plata.

• Brazil was under Portuguese control as the Empire of Brazil during this period.

Social Hierarchy in Colonies

• The viceroy represented Spanish authority in colonies with multiple roles including governor and church leader.

• The social structure was characterized by mestizaje (racial mixing), leading to distinct social castes: mestizos (mixed Indigenous and Spanish), mulatos (mixed African and Spanish), and Spaniards divided into peninsulares (born in Spain) and criollos (born in colonies).

Exploitation and Discrimination

• Indigenous exploitation was rampant; systems like encomiendas assigned Indigenous people to work for Spanish subjects as a reward for service to the crown.

Causes of Independence Movements

Internal Causes

• Tensions existed between criollos seeking power versus peninsulares who held political dominance.

• Widespread indigenous exploitation fueled social injustice sentiments among colonists.

External Influences

• Enlightenment ideas inspired criollo nationalism as they began identifying more with America than Europe.

• Previous revolutions such as those in France or against British colonialism served as models for independence efforts.

Key Events Leading Up to Independence

• Napoleonic invasions weakened Spain's grip on its colonies; news spread that led colonists to realize their potential for self-governance.

Independence Movements in Latin America

Emergence of Self-Governance

• The colonies realized they could self-govern, leading to the emergence of independence ideas. They recognized that they did not need Spanish crown support.

Argentina's Independence

• Argentina was the first country to declare independence from Spain in 1816, although movements began earlier around 1810 or 1811.

Chile and Simón Bolívar's Influence

• Chile gained independence in 1818, taking advantage of Spain's weakened state. Simón Bolívar played a crucial role in the independence of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.

Formation of Gran Colombia

• In 1821, Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama united to form Gran Colombia under Bolívar’s leadership. Each country later followed its own path towards full sovereignty.

Mexico's Path to Independence

• Mexico initiated its independence movement in 1810 and achieved it by 1821 with the Plan de Iguala and Treaties of Córdoba. Initially part of a larger empire including Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.

Brazil's Unique Independence