HISTÓRIA – A Independência da América Espanhola ENEM

Summary

In this video, Professor Murilo Melo explains the factors leading to the independence of Spanish America. He explores the influence of the Enlightenment, the crisis of the ancien régime in Europe, and the Napoleonic invasions. The independence of the United States serves as an example, inspiring rebellions in the Spanish colonies. He also discusses the role of Creoles, figures like Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín, and the eventual fragmentation of the continent into separate republics. Despite independence, the economic structure remains unchanged, with military caudillos rising to power in many regions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The independence of Spanish America was influenced by the crisis of the old regime and absolutism in Europe.
• 😀 Enlightenment ideals played a significant role in inspiring the colonists in Spanish America to seek independence.
• 😀 The United States' independence served as a model for the rest of Latin America during this period.
• 😀 Napoleonic invasions weakened Spain, allowing for revolts and rebellions in its colonies in the Americas.
• 😀 The Industrial Revolution made European powers less relevant in the Americas, with the U.S. and Britain pushing for free markets.
• 😀 The Monroe Doctrine emphasized that the Americas should be free from European interference, reinforcing the idea of American self-determination.
• 😀 The colonial pact, which restricted trade, and the social inequality in Spanish America were major sources of frustration for the colonists.
• 😀 The creoles, wealthy and powerful individuals born in the Americas (not in Europe), were crucial to the independence movement.
• 😀 Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín were key figures in the independence of South American countries, with Bolívar focusing on the northern part of the continent and San Martín on the southern part.
• 😀 After independence, Bolívar envisioned a unified continent, but the idea was rejected, and Latin America became fragmented into separate republics.
• 😀 Following independence, economic structures in Spanish America remained largely unchanged, with elite classes continuing to hold power, and the indigenous and mestizo populations remained oppressed.
• 😀 The emergence of caudillismo, where military leaders (caudillos) with strong charisma took control of the newly independent nations, defined the political landscape in Spanish America.

Q & A

What is the main cause of the independence of Spanish America?

The main causes include the crisis of the old regime (absolutism), the influence of Enlightenment ideals, the example set by the independence of the United States, Napoleonic invasions, the Industrial Revolution, and the desire for economic freedom and social equality.

How did the Napoleonic invasions contribute to the independence of Spanish America?

Napoleon's invasion of Spain weakened the Spanish empire, creating an opportunity for rebellions and uprisings in its American colonies.

What role did Enlightenment ideals play in the independence movements?

Enlightenment ideals influenced the colonists' thinking, inspiring them to challenge colonial rule and seek independence by promoting concepts like freedom and democracy.

What was the impact of the American Revolution on Spanish America?

The American Revolution served as a powerful example for Spanish America, showing that it was possible for a colony to break free from European domination and establish an independent nation.

What is the Monroe Doctrine, and how did it affect Spanish America?

The Monroe Doctrine, proclaimed by U.S. President James Monroe, asserted that the Americas should be free from European intervention. It supported the independence movements in Spanish America by discouraging European powers from attempting to reclaim their colonies.

What was the colonial pact, and why did it anger the colonists?

The colonial pact was a system that restricted Spanish American colonies' trade to only Spain, preventing them from trading with other nations. This caused resentment as it limited economic freedom and opportunities for the colonies.

Who were the criollos, and what role did they play in the independence movements?

The criollos were people of European descent born in the colonies. They played a decisive role in the independence movements, as many of them were educated, wealthy, and held significant power. They were often frustrated by their second-class status compared to the peninsulares, who were born in Spain.

What were the main figures of the independence movements in Spanish America?

Two of the main figures were Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín, both criollos who received European education. Bolívar led independence movements in northern South America, while San Martín focused on the southern part of the continent, including Argentina and Chile.

What was Bolívar's vision for the future of Latin America after independence?

Bolívar envisioned a united Latin America, a single country or confederation of nations. However, this idea was ultimately rejected at the Congress of Panama, and Latin America fragmented into separate republics.

What was the impact of caudillismo on the newly independent Latin American republics?

Caudillismo, or the dominance of military leaders with strong charisma, led to a concentration of power in the hands of influential caudillos. This created a political environment of instability and authoritarian rule in the newly independent Latin American nations.