Power, System of Government, and Political Revolution in Latin America - Case Study Example

Power, System of Government, and political Revolution in Latin America There are numerous changes that have taken placein South America in terms of systems of government, politics and centers of power. The main themes of revolutions entail political, social, and economic perspectives of the changes. From the Spanish rule to independent government systems, Latin America has undergone tremendous transformations according to the wishes of people. Though the Americans were against the Spanish rule, they came to realize its importance when the Spanish had gone. Similarly, the changes gave the people an opportunity to rule themselves and practice their wishes (Julie 5). Latin America has been in progressive transformations in terms of government, politics, and centers of power. The topic is Power, System of Government, and political Revolution in Latin America Latin American Revolution and it entails a study on the major changes that have occurred in South American history. In the process of securing interests of Latin America, the US had to understand the revolution. The topic explores the notable events that characterize the present-day Latin Americans in relation to power politics, and government systems. The early 19th century attributes most South Americans to colonial rule (Chasteen & James 49). Initially, the Portuguese held most land in South America. During that time, there was a higher prevalence of ethnic diversity in the South than in the North America. The whites slowly started dominating North America during colonial periods. However, that did not happen to Latin Americans. The end of colonization did not bring the native population to an end because ethnic diversity was still on the rise. The Power, System of Government, and political Revolution in Latin America, therefore, explores the theories and movements of that happened in the geographical regions of South America. It emphasizes on countries such as Bolivia, Nicaragua, Chile, Cuba, Mexico, and Guatemala. Additionally, the paper studies the social, political, and economic conditions that existed in the countries that resulted to the revolutionary changes. The topic answers what the revolutions intended to accomplish as well as how people responded to the prevailing conditions. The paper will outline the results of the revolutionary events and explain the major influences that prompted the changes. Among the themes that the paper covers are leadership strategies, imperialism, citizenship, agrarian reform, and nationalism. The paper will also highlight the details of exploitation and oppression in Latin America. Social researchers have always focused on the determinants of regimes and events that characterize them. However, the researchers have failed to give critical attention to revolutionary processes and have majored on formation of revolutionary vanguards. Some scholars argue that the Latin American revolutions were more of forceful change of regimes than social changes. Social revolutions create fundamental changes to the manner in which people operate. Latin America has encountered challenges in social revolutions either in support or opposition. Since the region got independence, it has undergone various reforms and crises, but the latest episodes are more profound. Of course, there were many revolutionary movements from 1960s to 1980s; a few of them successful. Although other movements were successful in attaining power in their respective countries, only a few ones like in Cuba have lasted (Humberger 1). Among the key concerns of the revolution are the international allies that took place. For instance, the military and the US government joined hands to combat revolutionary incidences. Even after getting independence, most parts of the region experienced revolutions and disastrous civil wars. Instability in Europe coincided with upheaval that began in Latin America. The French, Portuguese, Spanish, and English were expansionists and played critical roles as the powerhouses. The powerhouses from Europe were enemies with one another as a result of competition and scramble to govern Latin America. A system of governance that the European used to govern the region was the same thus allowing only their blood citizens to control the states. As a result, the subjects had to gang up and influence various changes on the land. Many sectors in Latin America can now match and counter-match due to the revolution. Before the period, the minority groups could not participate in political decision making (Chasteen & James 37). The Latin Americans who lived in the period of the revolutions had a different meaning to life as full of terror and violence. Inventions such as roads, rails, telephones, cars, weapons, and rifles among others facilitated the ease with which the state could respond to opposing movements. Technology had a major role to play in promoting the confrontation between the government and subjects. People had different suggestions on how to steer the absolute change into a different world. The Popular Unity coalition was for the idea of people to use historical precedents and achieved the social revolution without causing violence (Humberger 1). "Let Chile continue to be Chile" was the plight of those who did not concur with the use of precedents to initiate change. Shifting from explanation to interpretation, Latin America’s political violence accounted for the diffusions of the 21st century. The effects of the revolutions cut across the whole world. The overthrow of various governments such as Guatemala, Argentina, Ecuador, Panama, Bolivia, and El Salvador are as a result of revolutions during the Second World War. Though the Second World War revolutions were relatively small compared to the previous cases, it managed to influence vigorous changes in Latin America. The Latin American revolution borrowed the European social thought. In addition, they came up with interesting theories in order to concur with the new and unique social conditions that prevailed. Classical Marxist doctrine was for the suggestion that the industrial working class were to be the origin of social revolution (Craven 212). The suggestion emerged because the group had special aspects that ruled the occurrences. It means the people schemed to find out the basic principles that could enable them to achieve their dreams. Furthermore, they had to develop theories from the existing facts in a bid to liberate the land. Revolution is a fascinating area of study to scholars. It analyses the chronological order of events that take place within a society. Social scientists that specialize in studying the subject tend to preserve its meaning. Revolution emphasizes on social, political, and economic changes that, usually, take place within a society. It also serves as a lens which people use to study progress in important progresses of the world. This paper analyses revolution of Latin Americans in the 20th and the 21st century. It cuts across the history of Latin Americans and major changes of important issues that they have undergone. In the last century, many Latin Americans have lived to see major revolutionary parameters of their communities (Hamburger 1). It started from the Mexican Revolution to the periods of terror to mobilization in 1970s and 80s. There are many determinant factors that cause status quo in many parts of South America. It was notable that many people flaunted their riches after a short while a few wealthy individuals maintained their estates. Unfortunately, underprivileged toiled to enrich the wealthy few who drove expensive limousines. Even today, most Latin American countries have a high number of miserable middle-class. The society with distinct positions of the social ladder to the highest and the lowest rank marks a wide social gap between the rich and poor. Modernization theories justify violence as the way of attaining social transformation. Marxists explain violence as conflict that involves class relations (Chasteen & Sarah 89). Though some modernization conflicts believe that conflicts indicate immature conflict, it has been a successful way of demanding and initiating absolute change in a society. Recent studies on causes of bureaucratic authoritarianism failed to recognize cultural, psychological, and ideological perspectives of terror. It is necessary to admit that violence has been crucial in achieving independence in many countries. Causes of the desire for political changes There was a compulsion for the society to realize change. Its inevitability was because of social, economic, and political factors. The Latin American society had realized certain conditions that they could not longer withstand especially after undergoing civilization. The European countries invaded the small countries in Latin America and took up many privileges at the expense of natives. Social scientists can as well classify the vice as nepotism. The big colonies from Europe came and exercised their power over small and defenseless countries of Latin America. For instance, in Spanish territories, the top government positions only consisted of native Spanish. The Creoles who were the Spanish-born there could also not hold high ranking offices. There were trade restrictions between Latin Americans and other countries such as France and England. There was competition between the powerhouses back in Europe and that extended to their colonies (Hamburger 1). Spanish and Portuguese were against France and English. The Latin Americans had the reasons not to tolerate such occurrences. By 1810, there were several revolutions that had occurred in America and the entire world. Therefore, there was pressure to adopt new changes that were taking place around the world. Latin Americans learnt the possibility of causing a revolution from the already successful incidences. South Americans viewed the revolutions as a good method of doing away with European rule and replacing it with a democratic society. Otherwise, some of the revolutions that had already occurred were negative. For example, Haitian Revolution threatened to land away from people yet Spain was unable to intervene. In relation to that, death of strong Spanish rulers caused the weakening of the territories. After the death of Charles III of Spain in 1788, his son took over. However, the son could not manage the territories effectively (Chasteen & James 78). He was indecisive and weak; as a result, he delegated too much authority to his ministers while he occupied himself with other activities such as hunting. Consequently, the reduction in power of Spain decreased its presence and participation in the world. In addition, Spains ability to control weakened after its naval forces crushed in the Battle of Trafalgar. Since American and Mexican Revolutions had occurred. North Americans had gone miles ahead by defeating the European rule. The revolutions in the North America gave the Latin Americans confidence that they had the ability to drive away the Spanish from their land. The Europeans turned against themselves; consequently, Americans could easily form a revolution against them. The Latin Americans took the advantage of internal divisions of the Europeans. The Occurrence in the Political Revolution Several countries participated in the revolution. They consisted of Spain, Portugal, France, Venezuela, Chile, Peru, Uruguay Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, and Venezuela. Among the key personalities of the revolution was Simon Bolivar. Fransesco Miranda, a Venezuelan priest, was a leader of the initial war against the Spanish. Though he was defeated, he set a rebellious notion against the Spanish that made a foundation of the revolutions (Grandin 47). A number of wars occurred between 1809 and 1829. During that time, Napoleon raged war against Spain and Portugal. The invasion by Napoleon led to the peninsular war which the Creole used to acquire independence from their mother country. The events were followed by a series of revolutions in Spanish America. The fight for freedom in the Northern Colonies took charge in 1809. In fact, on June 24, 1821 Venezuela, with the help of Simon Bolivar, overthrew the Spanish and gained independence. The Southern Colonies also organized themselves to fight the Spanish. There are also countries that participated from the south such as Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile. It means a succession was orchestrated under the leadership of Jose de San Martin (Humberger 1). The leader used remarkable military tactics to enable the colonies defeat the Spanish. On the other hand, the leadership of Fulgencio Yegros and Jose Gervasio Artigas were instrumental in the independence of Uruguay and Paraguay. In the central colonies, various wars resulted to the independence of Bolivian and Peruvian territories. It resulted to Jose de San martin proclaiming independence of Peru on July 28, 1821. There was still the challenge of Uniting Latin America. The colonies were involved in numerous wars which caused numerous loss of lives. Historians attribute nationalism as a cause rather than a product of revolution. The Latin Americans’ decision to gain independence from the Spanish could not be in vain because they could not withstand them. The combination of wit and national forced the Americans to drive away foreign rule. Historians acknowledge civilization as a contributor that enlightened the Americans to realize their rights. Before then, many people under oppressive rules of foreigners were not aware that independence was human. Without the internal differences of the European, it could not be easy to drive them away from America (Chasteen & James 107). The European lacked a common argument front which could enable them to resist the American Revolution. For instance, Napoleon’s invasion of Spain weakened its power which gave the Americans an advantage to fight them. Effects of changes in centers of power in Latin America Latin America continues to enjoy independence as the main result of the revolutions. Like many other countries, it had use violence in the fight for freedom. Social scientists admit the fact that violence is inevitable when acquiring freedom. The events led to the creation of many independent nations in Latin America. The Americans could then enjoy their land. During the colonial period, the Spanish had control of the region such that they made independent decisions at the expense of Latin Americans. They were subjecting the Americans to the exploitative rule. For example, The Portuguese and Spanish ganged up to prevent trade with the French and English. The end of European rule in America opened avenues for international trade for the people. However, the revolution brought along some disadvantages to the Americans. Those who struggled for power retained it to themselves. Strong men acquired the power but never left it in the hands of people in the form of democracy. Lack of democracy became a challenge after acquisition of independence as it was vested in the hands of the few. The holders of power and authority undermined inequality. Secondly, the end of the revolutions led to poverty and instability in the individual states. In as much as, the colonialists were oppressing the Americans they had little economic importance that came to be conspicuous when they left (Julie 1). The countries wallowed in poverty for some time before later stabilizing. After sending away the European, the independent governments sold off land in order to raise funds for running the countries. The only people who could buy the land were the few wealthy people. Consequently, the move left land to a small section of the community. Analytical Chronology for political Latin American Revolution A revolution is thus synonymous with rebellion. People come to discover the need to develop resistance against foreign rule. The events of the Latin American Revolution involve an area of research that occurred in a chronological order. In 1415, Henry navigator introduced the “Age of Exploration”. In 1511, Atuey was the leader of the revolution that protested against the settling of the Spanish in Cuba. Between 1791 and 1804, Spain attained independence. In 1799, Alexander, a German, decided to explore America (Wright 156). In 1807, the first country in Latin America became independent starts revolt. In 1810, Creoles started ruling parts of America. In 1810, French dominated Spain. In 1811, Venezuela declared independence. In 1816, 1818, and 1819, Argentina, Chile and Colombia get independence. In 1838, the United Provinces of Central America divided into five countries. In 1845, Latin America owned a constitution. In 1845, Texas became part of the United States. In 1864, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil engaged in the Triple Alliance War. In 1918, Mexico for the first time sets a government with a president. Annotated Bibliography The year my parents went on vocation. Dir. Director Hamburger Cao. Perf. Michael Joelsas and Germano Haiut. Mongrel Media, 2006. Film. The movie tells the story of a young boy who experiences the effects of hardship in Brazil. His parents flee the country and live him with his grandmother. Unfortunately, the grandfather dies. Well-wishers then take care of him. The movie tells the hard experience during the revolution through the little boy’s life. The movie addresses the political situation during the revolutionary periods. Blame it on Fidel. Dir. Director Julie Gavras. Perf. Nina Kervel-Bey and Julie Depardieu. Gaumont. 2007. Film The film is about a fictional story of living in the midst of Chilean exile and movements. Though the setting of the movie is in Paris, it reflects the struggles in Cuba and Vietnam. The main character wants to be like everybody else around her which sounds painful. The movie relates to the events that took place during the Latin American Revolution. Top of Form Craven, David. Art and Revolution in Latin America, 1910-1990. New Haven, Conn: Yale University Press, 2006. Print. Bottom of Form The book studies the meaning of revolutions as people perceive it in different ages. It gives the definition of revolution of Latin America and its significance to historians. The book highlights some of the major events that characterize the revolution. It contributes to the development of the important themes of the revolution. The source analyses the changes that took place in specific periods of time. Top of Form Grandin, Greg, and G M. Joseph. A Century of Revolution: Insurgent and Counterinsurgent Violence During Latin Americas Long Cold War. Durham: Duke University Press, 2010. Print. The authors study the events that led to the revolution in the Latin America. They give a clear explanation of the forces behind the conflict between the Spanish and Americans. The book narrates the wars that led to the revolutions. It highlights key personalities whose contributions were crucial in advocating change in South America. The authors explain the factors that led to success of the revolutions. Top of Form Wright, Thomas. Latin America in the Era of the Cuban Revolution. Westport: Praeger, 2001. Print. The book mainly focuses on the revolution in relation to Cuba. It describes the steps that the people of Cuba took to oppose foreign domination in the country. The Cubans had the inspiration to push for changes in social, economic, and political aspects. The book narrows down to Fidel Castros road to power and his encounter with revolution. It points out the main figures that spear-headed the latest revolutions in South America. It contributes to the development of the key issues in the topic of discussion. Top of Form Chasteen, John, and James, Wood. Problems in Modern Latin American History: Sources and Interpretations. Lanham: SR Books, 2005. Print. The book relates the early Latin America with the current one. Its revelations enable the research to notice the specific changes as they occurred. It explains the current issues after various revolutions. The authors describe the effects of various changes that have occurred in Latin America. It enables the research to acquire comprehensive analysis of the revolutions by comparing the early Latin America with the current one. Top of Form Chasteen, John & Sarah, Chambers. Latin American Struggles for Independence: An Anthology of Sources. Indianapolis: Hackett, 2009. Print. The book provides inspirational stories with the intention of inspiring children. It clarifies the essence of social revolution in transforming the phase of the society. The authors analyze the revolutions using social theories such as the Marxist theories. The book acknowledges the significance of violence in attaining independence. It makes the reader appreciate hardship in the event of acquiring freedom. The study, therefore, gives the necessities for revolutions in Latin America. Works Cited Blame it on Fidel. Dir. Director Julie Gavras. Perf. Nina Kervel-Bey and Julie Depardieu. Gaumont. 2007. Film Chasteen, John, and James, Wood. Problems in Modern Latin American History: Sources and Interpretations. Lanham: SR Books, 2005. Print. Chasteen, John, and Sarah, Chambers. Latin American Struggles for Independence: An Anthology of Sources. Indianapolis: Hackett, 2009. Print. Craven, David. Art and Revolution in Latin America, 1910-1990. New Haven, Conn: Yale University Press, 2006. Print. Grandin, Greg & G M. Joseph. A Century of Revolution: Insurgent and Counterinsurgent Violence During Latin Americas Long Cold War. Durham: Duke University Press, 2010. Print. The year my parents went on vocation. Dir. Director Hamburger Cao. Perf. Michael Joelsas and Germano Haiut. Mongrel Media, 2006. Film. Wright, Thomas. Latin America in the Era of the Cuban Revolution. Westport: Praeger, 2001. Print. Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Read More