Essay: Students will choose one question to answer on lined paper. The essay should be a
complete paragraph that consists of at least 5 sentences. (20 points) Students will choose
one answer to complete on the test. Reminder that students answers should show an
understanding of content, mechanics, organization, and structure. In other words students
should apply writing skills learned in Language Arts with the content knowledge of Social
Studies.
A. Identify and explain the two historical events and the Enlightenment ideas that inspired
the independence movements in Latin America?
Focus on the Age of Enlightenment and that the government protects the rights of man. The
Age of Enlightenment also stated that there is a contract between government and the citizen. It
also stated that if these rights are not kept, the citizen has the right to protest. Lastly, it stated
that all men are born equal. (What famous American document uses a similar phrase?) The
historical events took place in the American Colonies and in France. (The text mentions this in
chapter 12 Section 4, page 386).
Causes of Latin American Revolutions
1. Enlightenment Ideas  writings of John Locke, Voltaire, & Jean Rousseau; Thomas
Jefferson and Thomas Paine. People began to realize that kings were not alone in
having rights.
2. Creole discontent at being left out of government jobs and trade concessions. Creole
were educated people of some wealth, who felt they deserved better.
3. Inspiration of American and French Revolutions. Other people were gaining their
rights & freedom
4. Preoccupation of Spain & Portugal in fighting the Napoleonic Wars. Spain did not
have as much concern with the “New World” since their homeland was being invaded by
the French.
Age of Enlightenment Ideas - Basically people began to realize what is good for the Spanish
upper-class is good for those born into the working class, poverty or slavery
1.
2.
3.
4.
Laws of nature [NATURAL LAWS] govern natural science and human society.
Give people rights  life, liberty, property!
Make fair societies based on reason possible.
Challenged the theory of “Divine Right” monarchy.
B. Identify two leaders of Latin American independence. Explain their path to lead their
country’s freedom. Include any important events.
Suggestions: A. Use the page suggestion to read the two leaders for your answer. B. Take notes
on how the person came into leadership and when it was. C. What was the action taken to lead
his people? D. Did the person accomplish his goal or did someone else complete the action he
began?
Choose two of the following leaders:
Toussaint L’Ouverture, pg. 385
Miguel Hidalgo, pg. 386
Simon Bolivar, pg. 387 – 8
Jose de San martin, pg. 387
Dom Pedro, pg. 389
a. Simon Bolivar
i. An elite Creole planter that became a military general
ii. He liberated territories of modern day:
Venezuela
Colombia Ecuador
Peru
Bolivia
iii. He wanted a federated Latin America
b. Jose San Martin
i. A Creole officer who had been trained in the European army
ii. He liberated Argentina from Spain
iii. He believed in a monarchy (King and Queen)
c. Miguel Hidalgo
i. He was an educated Creole priest in Dolores, Mexico.
ii. September 16, 1810- the “Cry of Dolores”- called for Mestizos and
Indigenous people to revolt against the Spanish.
iii. On his way to Mexico City, 1811, he was captured and shot
C. Describe and explain the political, economic and social changes that took place in Latin
America after independence.
Did the poor people lives improve? For the most
part, the answer is no. The rich got richer and the
poor stayed as such. Peninsular leadership left, but
only replaced by caudillos. In short, it was just a
change of leaders but not life. The caudillo was as
ruthless as the Peninsular.
D. In what ways did the 7 Years War (French-Indian War) set the stage for the American
Revolution?
The cost of the war was passed onto the colonists by way of taxes. Colonists were taxed and
they resented the taxing. England sent troops to colonies to collect taxes. Troops were
allowed to stay in colonist homes.
E. The U.S. established a successful democratic government after its revolution. After the
Latin American countries’ revolutions, most of the countries did not establish long lasting
governments. Why do you think the United States was successful in comparison to Latin
America? (Provide at least 2 reasons with your response.)
George Washington and government realized that the Articles of Confederation needed to be
strengthened. They created the constitution. The constitution allowed for adding laws as
needed and removing laws as needed. The constitution had a strong central government. The
government allowed for a check and balance between the 3 branches of government. The
president’s powers were kept in check. The legislative and judiciary branches were also kept in
check, (known as Check and Balance). U.S. was fortunate to have leaders like Washington,
Jefferson and Madison among many other statesmen. For instance, Washington refused to
accept the role as king after the Revolutionary War. He also returned his pay. In Latin
America, once the Peninsular left office, he was replaced by a caudillo that was just as ruthless
and cared only about gaining power and making money.
Here are notes from an earlier assignment that relates to this topic:
America had some of the following to assist them:
-a modest humble leader in George Washington (see notes below)
-creative/educated men like Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, Ben Franklin, William
Patterson, Thomas Jefferson
-patience, a willingness of the people to wait for the leaders to develop something that satisfied
all the states
-patience and compromise within the Constitutional Congress, although arguments ensued,
there was a willingness iron out disputes and compromise for the good of all
-The Bill of Rights, a top 10 for the people, which allowed rights for the individual
-a constitution which allows for fixing mistakes and adding laws which cover new concerns
Latin America didn’t seem to have the patience during their early years, as revolutions and
uprisings were common. Many Latin American countries went from king to caudillos/dictators.