Revolution in the Caribbean and Iberian America

Revolution soon spread, spearheaded by people of color in the lowest classes. Andean Indians rose up against Cuzco. Creole landed elites eventually rose to fight against Iberian control in order to avoid the more radical changes sought by the lower classes. Only in Haiti did slaves succeed.

   Revolution in Saint Domingue (Haiti):

Following events in France, white settlers called for independence while slaves sought emancipation. Civil war ensued. Slaves fought French, British, and Spanish forces, and then Toussaint L’Ouverture’s forces destroyed Napoleon’s army, which was sent to restore slavery and order. Most revolutionary nations, like the new United States, however, to recognize Haiti.

   Brazil and Constitutional Monarchy:

Avoiding Napoleon by fleeing to Brazil, the Portuguese royal family reformed Brazilian society and preempted calls for independence, since Brazil was now the center of their empire. When the king left and Brazilian elites threatened to overthrow the crown, however, the prince declared Brazil independent. Brazil’s elites conspired to keep the lower orders in their place, preserving stability and crushing any movement that arose to challenge them.

   Mexico’s Independence:

With the Spanish king under Napoleon’s control, Spanish America had to govern itself, developing autonomy in the process. When the crown again sought to assert control over the colonies, they resisted and pursued independence on the model of Enlightenment ideals as seen elsewhere. Royal troops kept the peace until a popular movement based on peasants threatened creoles and royalists alike. When Spanish control in Spain declined, the army sided with the creoles, and Mexican independence was declared.

   Other South American Revolutions:

Despite commitment to Enlightenment ideals and rule by reason, the revolution led by Bolívar in Venezuela and San Martín in Argentina became bloody affairs. Revolution martialized the lower classes, which sought liberation from oppression of the elite landed classes. As class conflict broke out, civil war ensued, and the region broke into segments. Ideas of unity gave way to the realities of local need and interest. Bolívar’s hope for a unified confederation fell apart. Ultimately, regional military chieftains emerged as the real victors.

>> Continue to the next part of the Summary: Change and Trade in Africa