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As with every time independence is achieved, it always takes some time before order gets restored in a newly-founded nation. However, unlike North America and Europe, its seems the Latin American continent has been struggling more intensely. In the aftermath of independence, war broke out between different nations of South America while civil wars erupted … Continue reading "WEEK 5: Caudillos Versus the Nation State" read full post >>

The reading hinted that post-independence Latin America was rife with caudillos because they sort of took on the role of... read full post >>

The biggest thing I took out of this week's lecture is the cost of independence. The violence of Latin America in the 19th century depicted a very fractured place. One can't help but wonder that all of this just stems from the deep colonial roots that ... read full post >>

The biggest thing I took out of this week's lecture is the cost of independence. The violence of Latin America in the 19th century depicted a very fractured place. One can't help but wonder that all of this just stems from the deep colonial roots that ... read full post >>

The biggest thing I took out of this week's lecture is the cost of independence. The violence of Latin America in the 19th century depicted a very fractured place. One can't help but wonder that all of this just stems from the deep colonial roots that ... read full post >>

To me, the popularity of the Caudillos seems understandable. In a political landscape as chaotic as post independence Latin America, any sort of leadership that can offer some form of stability, or chance of protection must have been tempting. I do find it funny however, that the independence of the region strengthened the dependence of its people on powerful […] read full post >>

The rise of the caudillos can be understood in the powerlessness of the average worker during the post-independence era. Pre-Independence, the interests of the ruling Creole elites were kept in check by the Spanish Colonial establishment. However, once these protections were stripped away, indigenous peoples, poor, working, or otherwise disenfranchised people had to look elsewhere for protection against […] read full post >>

The biggest thing I took out of this week's lecture is the cost of independence. The violence of Latin America in the 19th century depicted a very fractured place. One can't help but wonder that all of this just stems from the deep colonial roots that Latin America experienced. 

The Caudillo system reminds me of the dynamics depicted in mobster movies (I'm pretty sure there are scenes in the second Godfather that depict this dynamic, but correct me if I'm wrong. My memory is bad). What interests me in the system is the popularity of it; I suppose the popularity of it comes from the ability to maintain a specific relationship with a specific individual. You're able to put a distinct face to your politics. Regarding the Liberal elite, it didn't really help that there was a tone of condescension from them in discussing the ideas and concepts of Liberalism. I figure that the figures discussing the concepts were instrumental in the alienation of the public re: the ideology.

I do believe this system is immensely problematic, and is quite destructive in scope. I personally think it reinforces an idea that we discussed last class/lecture, the problematic elements of what independence can contribute to a society. In discussion, we took note that the people who primarily benefitted from independence were people already in a distinct social elite, while many other would continue to suffer, if not more so. It feels as if the caudillo system ensures that equality is something that a group is unable to attain.

I realized that I haven't provided a question all these weeks. Not out of laziness, I just kept forgetting. Anyways...

Do the systems and ideologies discussed (the caudillo system and liberalism, respectively) actively contribute to positive depiction or negative depiction of independence? read full post >>

The beginning of the 19th century brought changes in political institutions, however these changes were juxtaposed for Europeans and Latin Americans. While Europe developed ideas of liberalism to improve their economic and social situations, Latin America faced disputes and civil wars over land and ideological differences. Essentially, Latin American regions attempted to develop their new … Continue reading Week 5- Caudillos Versus the Nation State read full post >>

The beginning of the 19th century brought changes in political institutions, however these changes were juxtaposed for Europeans and Latin Americans. While Europe developed ideas of liberalism to improve their economic and social situations, Latin America faced disputes and civil wars over land and ideological differences. Essentially, Latin American regions attempted to develop their new … Continue reading Week 5- Caudillos Versus the Nation State read full post >>