Latin American Revolutions 1808 1826

Some selections translated by the editors. Bibliography: p. [305]-308.

Identifies incentives and deterrents to revolution and uncovers the roots of Latin American independence, finding them in American interests rather than European influence. Authors include political figures of the period, such as Bolfvar, and modern historians from Latin America, North America, and

Bogen forsøger at skildre de forskellige revolutioner mod uafhængighed for de sydamerikanske lande/stater. Drivkraften der lå bag den enkelte revolution og dets karakter, hvilke sociale grupper, der fik gavn af oprøret og det økonomiske miljø, der lagde grunden til kravet om selvstændighed. Bogen skildrer div. regioner og deres forskellighed.

Identifies incentives and deterrents to revolution and uncovers the roots of Latin American independence, finding them in American interests rather than European influence. Authors include political figures of the period, such as Bolfvar, and modern historians from Latin America, North America, and

This book focuses on a key period in Latin American history, the transition from colonial status, via the revolutions for independence, to national organization. The essays provide in-depth studies of eighteenth-century society, the colonial state, and the roots of independence in Spanish America. The relation of Spanish America to the age of democratic revolution and the reaction of the Church to revolutionary change are newly defined, and leadership of Simon Bolivar is subject to particular scrutiny. National organization saw the emergence of new political leaders, the caudillos , and the marginalization of many people who sought relief in popular religion and millenarian movements.

Between 1808 and 1826, all of mainland Latin America became independent from Spain and Portugal, the colonial powers that had ruled the region for three centuries. Undesirable economic restrictions and a caste system that favored those born in Europe made the conditions for revolution ripe in the Americas. Combined with the actions of insightful leaders-most notably Simon Bolivar and Jose de San Martin-Latin American independence was all but guaranteed. This title explores the revolutions, their historical causes, and the new nations' ensuing struggles, providing invaluable context for understanding the culture, politics, and social identity of the region today."

During the wars for independence in Spanish South America (1808-1826), thousands of slaves enlisted under the promise of personal freedom and, in some cases, freedom for other family members. Blacks were recruited by opposing sides in these conflicts and their loyalties rested with whomever they believed would emerge victorious. The prospect of freedom was worth risking one's life for, and wars against Spain presented unprecedented opportunities to attain it. Much hedging over the slavery issue continued, however, even after the patriots came to power. The prospect of abolition threatened existing political, economic, and social structures, and the new leaders would not encroach upon what were still considered the property rights of powerful slave owners. The patriots attacked the institution of slavery in their rhetoric, yet maintained the status quo in the new nations. It was not until a generation later that slavery would be declared illegal in all of Spain's former mainland colonies. Through extensive archival research, Blanchard assembles an accessible, comprehensive, and broadly based study to investigate this issue from the perspectives of Royalists, patriots, and slaves. He examines the wartime political, ideological, and social dynamics that led to slave recruitment, and the subsequent repercussions in the immediate postindependence era. Under the Flags of Freedom sheds new light on the vital contribution of slaves to the wars for Latin American independence, which, up until now, has been largely ignored in the histories and collective memories of these nations.