Unit 2: Independence and the Problem of Nation Building

Introduction:In this unit we'll be studying the factors, local, regional, and international, that led to the diverse independence movements that created Latin America's various nations between 1810 and about 1830. European factors, especially Napoleon's conquest of Spain, were important catalysts that inspired Latin American cabildos (municipal governments or town councils) to claim increasing autonomy. In many cases, Latin American independence movements drew on the liberal ideas of the European Enlightenment (concepts including liberty, freedom, and rights). In other cases, notably in Mexico and Peru, independence was a far more conservative goal. Either way, the wars of independence wrought havoc on the infrastructures, economies, and human societies of Latin America's new nations. Most emerged independent, but war weary and saddled with large foreign debts.

During this unit, we'll also be studying the many issues that faced new Latin American republics following their wars of independence from Spain. Brazil presents a different case because its independence came when Prince Pedro defied the Portuguese Assembly and became the first Emperor. Yet, even in Brazil, warfare had ravished the people and economies of newly the independent Latin American nation. Across Latin America, new governments faced the problem of creating a sense of national identity among their people--a process that scholars refer to as "nation building." Under the fragile political, social, and economic context of the post-independence era, opportunistic leaders known as "caudillos" rose to power across the region. As we'll see, caudillo-style rule further destabilized Latin American nations during the middle portion of the nineteenth century.

Image: "PronunciamientoRiego" by Anonymous - Enciclopedia de Historia Universal, Tomo 14, Grupo la República, Perú. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PronunciamientoRiego.JPG#/media/File:PronunciamientoRiego.JPG

Next Section: Revolutions or Independence Movements?