| Latin American Independence Writing Exercises |
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| studenthandouts.com > World History > Latin American Revolution > Latin American Revolution Worksheets |
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1 Describe the basic class system of 18th-century Latin America. The class system of 18th-century Latin America was rigid and hierarchical, based largely on race and birthplace. At the top were the peninsulares, Spaniards born in Spain, followed by creoles, people of Spanish descent born in the colonies. Below them were mestizos (mixed European and Indigenous ancestry), mulattoes (mixed African and European), Indigenous peoples, and enslaved Africans, who had the fewest rights and opportunities. This inequality fueled revolutionary movements. 2 How did Brazil gain independence from Portugal? Brazil gained independence from Portugal in 1822 through a relatively peaceful process compared to other Latin American nations. When the Portuguese royal family fled to Brazil during the Napoleonic Wars, Prince Dom Pedro stayed behind after their return. Pressured by Brazilian nationalists, he declared independence on September 7, 1822, and became Emperor Pedro I. Unlike violent revolutions elsewhere, Brazil's independence was negotiated with minimal conflict. 3 Describe the steps leading to Mexican independence. Mexican independence began in 1810 with Father Miguel Hidalgo's "Grito de Dolores," which called for rebellion against Spanish rule. Though Hidalgo was captured and executed, the movement continued under leaders like José María Morelos. After years of conflict, conservative and liberal forces united, and in 1821, Agustín de Iturbide negotiated the Plan of Iguala with rebels. This led to Spain recognizing Mexico's independence later that year. Click here to print. Answers will vary. |
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| studenthandouts.com > World History > Latin American Revolution > Latin American Revolution Worksheets |
