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Introduction and Chapter One

I asked myself a lot of questions while reading chapter one of the text book. most of them are in regards to power relations between the criollos, Spain, and the communities of people who held little power in the realm of the colonial states. I agree w…

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Introduction and Chapter One

I asked myself a lot of questions while reading chapter one of the text book. most of them are in regards to power relations between the criollos, Spain, and the communities of people who held little power in the realm of the colonial states. I agree with the notion that history reflects the view of those in power. Even within the textbook, the three documents provided were composed by people in powerful positions. Is this because, at the time, those who were not in power were mostly illiterate? I suppose this would also be a form of dominance imposed by the criollos. Another question that came up for me is, when did the Spanish elite form an identity that was inclusive of the indigenous peoples of  the new world? was this because of the rise of numbers in of people with mixed race? was this sense of unity authentic? or was it for political purposes only in the interest of the criollos? the text books states that Simon Bolivar revised his vision and “opposed slavery and proposed the distribution of land to those who fought for independence, but also favored heavy restrictions on suffrage and believed in a strong, almost dictatorial presidency”. I am also curious, when the criollos felt they were being mistreated by the powers in their mother land, did they then begin to consider their own imperial dominance towards certain communities of the colonies? it is difficult for me to imagine life as it was at the time of struggle for independence. Certain texts like the ones presented in the textbook open a window to a small portion of understanding of what was going on. I agree with the author that history is fragmentary. I don’t think that we can form an understanding from only one side of a multitude of experiences and power struggles.

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On Dawson’s Introduction & Chapter 1

ON INTRODUCTION   In the introduction, Dawson is justifying his approach to Latin American histories he adopted in this book by pointing out several problems in historical studies. Through these insightful discussions one can understand why a collection of fragmentary stories is probably the best way for readers to understand Latin America.   In short, the aim is […]

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Independence Narratives: Past and Present (Dawson Intro, Ch. 1)


I am not at all familiar with the history of Latin America, so the readings provided me with a lot of new information.  One thing that is true across all boards, no matter who you ask, is that, as Dawson explains, you cannot take one characteristic, one well-known figure, or even one particular mentality to tell the history of the becoming of Latin America, and, as a consequence, the identity of Latin America and what it comprises of. This is something we discussed in the first couple of classes.
I was interested to read how the rebellion of slaves played a major role in the general uprisings in the colonies  in the early 1800’s. People fought for the independence of their respective country and the oppression of colonial rule, as well as freedom for the slaves who were “employed” by these colonials.
What was also really intriguing was that, in Brazil, slavery pretty much carried the economy, and thusly, revolution was not as prevalent in its inhabitants’ minds as in other places of Latin America, such as Venezuela and Bolivia.
The “history” itself and the history of the events we study in text books revolve around the caudillos and  the triumphants, with smaller accounts from the defeated. We prefer to hear stories of success rather than of failure, although we can learn a lot from failures in history, so as to avoid them in future (to some extent). As well, we get the sense, from reading history books, that either as an indigenous resident, a colonist, or somewhere in between, you had to choose a side. Either be a liberal or not. What about those who were on the fence? Who wanted to abolish slavery but maintain colonial rule? We don’t hear those accounts as much.

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Independence Narratives: Past and Present (Dawson Intro, Ch. 1)


I am not at all familiar with the history of Latin America, so the readings provided me with a lot of new information.  One thing that is true across all boards, no matter who you ask, is that, as Dawson explains, you cannot take one characteristic, one well-known figure, or even one particular mentality to tell the history of the becoming of Latin America, and, as a consequence, the identity of Latin America and what it comprises of. This is something we discussed in the first couple of classes.
I was interested to read how the rebellion of slaves played a major role in the general uprisings in the colonies  in the early 1800’s. People fought for the independence of their respective country and the oppression of colonial rule, as well as freedom for the slaves who were “employed” by these colonials.
What was also really intriguing was that, in Brazil, slavery pretty much carried the economy, and thusly, revolution was not as prevalent in its inhabitants’ minds as in other places of Latin America, such as Venezuela and Bolivia.
The “history” itself and the history of the events we study in text books revolve around the caudillos and  the triumphants, with smaller accounts from the defeated. We prefer to hear stories of success rather than of failure, although we can learn a lot from failures in history, so as to avoid them in future (to some extent). As well, we get the sense, from reading history books, that either as an indigenous resident, a colonist, or somewhere in between, you had to choose a side. Either be a liberal or not. What about those who were on the fence? Who wanted to abolish slavery but maintain colonial rule? We don’t hear those accounts as much.

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Introduction & chapter 1

When it comes to describe Latin America difficulties are found, not because there are any definitions, but because an explosion of ideas, tastes, colors, people and cultures within one same culture. There’s a song of a Latin-American singer called “Calle 13”, which tries to describe how Latin America is and he just starts to say […]

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Introduction & chapter 1

When it comes to describe Latin America difficulties are found, not because there are any definitions, but because an explosion of ideas, tastes, colors, people and cultures within one same culture. There’s a song of a Latin-American singer called “Calle 13”, which tries to describe how Latin America is and he just starts to say […]

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Independence narratives reflection – Daniel

To me, these independence narratives felt as if though some of them weren’t written in the 18th or 19th century but instead yesterday. In the introduction to the book, it mentions Polanco and Ecatepec which are in my opinion great ways to represent Latin America nowadays. Criollos never really lost power in most Latin American […]

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Independence narratives reflection – Daniel

To me, these independence narratives felt as if though some of them weren’t written in the 18th or 19th century but instead yesterday. In the introduction to the book, it mentions Polanco and Ecatepec which are in my opinion great ways to represent Latin America nowadays. Criollos never really lost power in most Latin American […]

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Intro and Chapter One

The “winners” write history. Their perspective goes on to be taught in schools and displayed in media. I like how the author touched upon how in telling one story, there are many other stories that will be left out. It’s the compilation of many different narratives that make up history since there are so many […]

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