Latin+America+Revolts+and+Movements

** Ashley Musselman, Mindy Dinh, Lesly Rueda ** The Latin American revolts were a bloody battle that later led to independence. Many of these revolts were scattered throughout Mexico and Brazil. From events that abolished slavery, to Napoleon’s plan to expand; Latin America changed dramatically throughout 1750-1914. During the 19th century, when Brazil noticed they were hardly getting any attention from Portugal, who was dominating them at the time, they suddenly felt deeply neglected. Their economy was weak, most of the population happened to be slaves, and merchants longed for trade. They decided the only way to get attention was to start an uprising, little did they know that they’ll be getting plenty of attention in the nearby future. By 1807, Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Lisbon, Portugal. Prince Regent Dom Joao knew that they had to move their monarchy to a whole new location if they didn’t want to be overthrown. A decision was made and the royal family fled to Brazil and the Portuguese Empire was officially settled there.
 * __ Latin American Revolts and Independence Movements __**

The Prince saw how bad Brazil’s economy became during his rule so he promised improvements and decided to turn it into a cosmopolitan city. Soon many Brazilians realized that Portugal has been relying on Brazilian exports and tax to keep their nation powerful. They decided that they don’t need Portugal and shouldn’t feel inferior towards them. Then and there, they agreed something must be done to serve Brazilian’s independence.

After Napoleon’s concluding battle, most Brazilians believed their days under Portugal’s rule were over. But the Prince liked his life in Brazil and feared that if he left, Brazilians will claim their nation to be independent. He realizes that the government in Lisbon, Portugal will be angry due to his years of absence and he didn’t want to lose power in Portugal or Brazil. He then took off to Portugal but left his son, Dom Pedro, in charge. He said that if Brazil were to ever be an independent nation then Pedro will have to lead it.

After Prince Regent Dom Jao left, both nations went back to their old ways, Brazilians were furious and did not want to be living in a country where they lacked attention and was constantly bossed around.

A scientist names Jose Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva convinced young Pedro to look into the concept of a democratic rule for Brazil. Pedro was also tired of being bossed around by Lisbon so he took his father’s advice and decided to declare himself king of the new nation. The event of Brazils independence was all thanks to Jose Bonifacio and Dom Pedro.

Mexico’s independence was a bloody battle. The early 19 century was the beginning of napoleons revolts in Spanish America. Luckily, Miguel Hidalgo y Castilla, otherwise known as ‘The Father of Mexican Independence’, began the Mexican rebellion.

Simon Bolivar was a supreme American hero of the struggle for independence in Mexico. Bolivar Is known for his victories across Latin America. He won the victory over the Spaniards, and gained independence for Venezuela, Peru, Columbia, Panama, and Bolivia. He is known as “El Liberator”.

Throughout 1750-1914 Latin America made history. Some good, some tragic. In the end, Brazil and Mexico won independence and gained the ability to expand.

Stearns, Peter N., Michael Adas, and Stuart B. Schwartz. //World Civilizations: The Global Experience//. New York: HarperCollins, 2000. Print.
 * CITATIONS **
 * Shreve, Jack. "Iracema." //Library Journal// Jan. 2000: 157. //General OneFile//. Web. 1 Apr. 2012.
 * Corona, Laurel. //Brazil//. San Diego: Lucent, 2000. Print. Modern Nations of the World.
 * Heinrichs, Ann. //Brazil//. New York: Children's, 1997. Print.
 * History of Simon Bolivar." //Welcome to Bolivar Missouri//. Web. 03 Apr. 2012. <[]>. "
 * "Mexican War of Independence Begins." //History.com//. A&E Television Networks. Web. 09 Apr. 2012. <[]>.