New Republics in Latin
America
Obstacles to Progress
Geographic Barriers
Physical features
created division &
made unity difficult
Deep Divisions
Old social structure
Few rich ruled many poor
Lack of Experience
No experience with
self-rule
Only land owners
could vote
Struggles for Power
Caudillos Violence
caused military
leaders to take
control, but
only for short
time
Soon after the caudillos,
oligarchies started to gain
power
Oligarchy – small group of elite
rulers
Liberal View on Social Structure
Farmers & poor
Wanted limited power of Church
Land reform
Reduce gap between rich & poor
Freedom of speech & press
Wanted rapid change
Left wing
Conservative View on Social
Structure
land owners & Military
Kept old social structure & power of
the Church
Owned most of the land
Wanted to keep their wealth
Opposed freedom of speech & press
Wanted slow change
Right wing
Political Spectrum
Liberal Democrat Moderate Republican Conservative
Economic Dependence and
Growth
Trade
Did not have the ability to make
finished products
Exported raw materials &
imported finished products
Foreign Investment
Encouraged foreign investment
to build industry &
transportation
Economic Imperialism
Borrowed large amounts of
money
Couldn’t pay it back
Threatened by countries
Large foreign influence on
economy
Limited Progress
Some growth
Increased exports
Immigration caused growth
Increased middle class