History 109: Contemporary Latin America
Essay Question 1: Independence Era & Nineteenth Century
1) Latin American politicians and intellectuals proposed what they believed would be viable projects for
the independent countries of nineteenth century Latin America. Historians dispute whether those
projects were practical and functional or utopian and idealistic. Using at least two of the following—
Bolívar (Venezuela), Alberdí and Sarmiento (Argentina), and Iturbide & the Constitution of 1824
(Mexico)—take a position on whether that vision was utopian or not. In your essay be sure to take
into account 1) how each analyzed the historical context in which they wrote and the problems Latin
America faced, 2) the specific types of solutions they proposed.
2) What was the biggest challenge of independence in nineteenth-century Latin America? Drawing
examples from the experience of at least two countries as case studies, which do you think met those
challenges most successfully and why?
Be sure to place each text in the context of the time of writing and the situation in the particular country.
SOURCES for 1 & 2:
Primary: Bolívar “Jamaica Letter”, “Angostura Discourse”, Alberdí, “Bases & Points of Departure for the
political organization of the Republic of Argentina”; Sarmiento, excerpts from Civilization & Barbarism;
Iturbide, “Plan of Iguala”; Mexico Constitution of 1824; Alamán.
Secondary: You may also draw from lectures, Chasteen, and other secondary source readings.
3) Outsiders traveling in independent Latin America observed the same societies that native leaders were
attempting to reform politically, economically, and socially. Drawing from Bremer, Calderon de la Barca or
Dana, explore how the experiences each had or actions each observed lead you to conclude whether the
reforms were successful or not. In your analysis, you should use these primary sources in combination with
relevant documents by Latin Americans AND/OR secondary sources that provide additional insight.
Suggested secondary sources:
Chasteen, McCreery, Lynch, Viotti da Costa, Safford. You might also consult Austrian Friedriech
Hassaurek’s “How to Conduct a Latin American Revolution” (an excerpt from his book, Four Years Among
the Ecuadorians), an additional account, available as a recommended reading for 2/4.
4) Some historians argue that the Latin American independence movements were not “revolutionary.” After
defining what you would consider a “revolution,” write an essay that explains why you agree or disagree with
the argument. Draw from at least TWO of the independence movements studied in class (Haitian, Mexican,
Venezuelan, Brazilian). Your essay might consider 1) the economic and political conditions that gave rise to
revolt; 2) the way in which each country achieved victory; and 3) who participated in the movement and 4)
evolving goals and crises of each movement (as relevant). Your essay should include the use of at least two
primary sources and one secondary source.
SOURCES: Bolívar, Itúrbide (Plan of Iguala/Treaty of Córdova), Alamán; Viotti da Costa, Dym, Lynch,
Chasteen
Format:
Your essay should be double spaced, use Times New Roman 12 or Courier 10 font, and have one-inch margins &
numbered pages: You should use the Chicago Manual of Style for footnotes or endnotes, and include a title page.
Essays should be 750-1000 words (3-4 pages). They must be handed in on time for credit. Do not submit by email without prior approval of the professor.
**For all essays, be sure to use at least two primary sources and one secondary source.**