Question

discontent in latin america
→directions: read the text and examine the diagram below, then answer the accompanying questions.
how did the social and ethnic structures in spanish colonies lead to discontent?
● creoles → resented being treated as second - class citizens by the peninsulares
● mestizos and mulattoes → angered that they were not treated as citizens and did not have the same power as whites
● native americans and africans → angered by enslavement and inhumane treatment
in the 1700s, educated creoles read the work of enlightenment thinkers. many creoles were sent to europe to study as well. while there, they were inspired by the ideals of a revolution and national sovereignty or the authority of a state to govern itself or another state.
in 1808, napoleon invaded spain, ousted the spanish king and placed his brother joseph in control of spain and its colonies. many in latin america saw this as a moment of weakness and an opportunity to reject foreign rule and demand freedom from the colonial crown.

1. was everyone in the spanish colonies angry for the same reasons? explain.
2. how did many creoles come into contact with ideas of revolution and freedom?
3. why did latin american leaders decide to fight for their freedom after 1808 instead of an earlier time?

Explanation:

1. No, different social - ethnic groups had different grievances. Creoles were angry about second - class status, Mestizos and Mulattoes about unequal treatment, and Native Americans and Africans about enslavement.
2. Educated creoles read the work of Enlightenment thinkers, and many were sent to Europe to study, where they were inspired by revolutionary and sovereignty ideals.
3. In 1808, Napoleon invaded Spain, ousted the Spanish king, and placed his brother in control. Latin American leaders saw this as a moment of Spanish weakness and an opportunity to fight for freedom.

Answer:

1. No. Creoles were resentful of second - class status, Mestizos and Mulattoes of unequal treatment, and Native Americans and Africans of enslavement.
2. By reading Enlightenment thinkers' work and studying in Europe.
3. Because Napoleon's invasion of Spain in 1808 weakened Spanish rule, presenting an opportunity for freedom.