Latin American Revolutions

This week during class, we learned about some of the most important Latin American Revolutions. The Latin American Revolutions of Brazil, Gran Colombia, and Mexico stand as few of the most important revolutions due to their major contribution to the abolishment of slavery and independence from European forces. The revolts of these Latin American countries helped contribute to the downfall of slavery in the late nineteenth century. Without these revolutions, slavery may not have been eradicated as it has been in the majority of countries around the world. To study the impact of race on the Latin American Revolutions for independence, we first split into small groups. Each group was assigned a revolution and created a timeline of major events which occurred during their historical revolution. By analyzing documents of our assigned Latin American revolution and creating a timeline, the class was able to gain a better understanding of how race impacted the countries under European control.

The revolts of Brazil, Gran Colombia, and Mexico  resulted from Latin American slaves and laborers being treated poorly due to their race and their desire for independence from European forces. In the Haitian social structure, Slaves and Indians were greatly affected by slavery and discrimination. Indians made up over 50% of the population of colonial Latin America. Indians lived in Latin America before the Spanish arrived and were forced to provide labor in Spanish mines and farms. Slaves were of African descent and made up 11% of the population. Slaves were considered property and could be bought or sold. The three Latin American Revolutions were fought in the hopes of gaining independence from  European rule. They also fought to gain rights for those who were victims of discrimination and enslavement.  Following the revolutions, the  countries of Brazil, Gran Colombia, and Mexico were able to form new, independent government systems which consisted of a republic or a constitutional monarchy. These new forms of government allowed the people to have more rights and increased freedom. However, there were many differences among these Latin American Revolutions. For example, the Brazilian Revolution was the only non-violent revolution. Also, discrimination between races did not become problematic until after the revolution. After the Latin American Revolutions, the countries of Brazil and Gran Colombia detached from European rule and formed their own independent, united countries. Following the Gran Colombia Revolution, Gran Colombia detached from European rule and formed multiple independent countries. Although the countries of Brazil, Gran Colombia, and Mexico gained independence from European rule after the revolutions, racial inequality still remained a problem.

Today, racial inequality remains an issue in our society. Although this issue may not be as prominent as it was nearly 50 years ago, it still continues to affect people regardless of their ethnicity or socioeconomic background.  A recent shooting in Ferguson, Missouri has raised the issue of racial inequality and has caused much controversy around the nation. On August 9th, 2014, Michael Brown, an 18 year old African American male was fatally shot by Darren Wilson, a white police officer. Brown and his friend Dorian Johnson were walking down the middle of the street when Wilson drove up and told them to move to the sidewalk. Brown and Wilson struggled through the window of the police vehicle and Wilson's gun was fired during the course of the struggle. According to reports, Brown was believed to be surrendering to the officer when he was fatally shot. The shooting of Michael Brown exemplifies that to this day, discrimination and racial profiling still occur. The Ferguson shooting points out that differences continue to exist between whites and people of color.  Although it is natural for differences to exist within a society, as a community we must work towards a non-violent, peaceful resolution to conflict.  Unfortunately, despite significant progress, the issue of racial inequality and discrimination remains a large part of our society. As with the Latin American Revolutions, racial inequality and discrimination remain relevant today and will require further attention in order for this issue to be resolved.  As a community, we must work together to solve our differences in a more peaceful manner.

Brazilian Revolution Timeline:

Toussaint L'Ouverture DBQ

Throughout history, many individuals have shared a variety of characteristics which have distinguished them as successful  leaders.These qualities such as, eloquence, honesty and moral leadership are as varied as the individuals themselves.  Malala Yousafzai, for example, is a  human rights activist for women and education and the youngest-ever  Nobel Prize recipient. Malala could be considered one of the strongest child political leaders of all time due to her accomplishments and as a proponent for womens rights. She  is considered one of the greatest leaders as a result of her qualities of strength, moral leadership, and political skill.  Another significant leader,Toussaint L'Ouverture, was a remarkable individual who greatly impacted the abolishment of slavery.Toussaint became the leader of the only successful slave revolt in modern history, the Haitian Revolution.  Toussaint L'Ouverture was born in the 1740’s as a slave. Later in his life he was granted freedom by his owner. Toussaint then rented a small coffee plantation and had slaves of his own.  Over time, Toussaint began to emerge as a leader as he worked behind the scenes to encourage slaves to fight for their freedom. By 1793, Toussaint commanded a rebel army against the French forces on the island of St. Domingue. France abolished all slavery in French colonies, leading Toussant to pledge allegiance to the country and become commander-in-chief on the island of St. Domingue. In 1802, Napoleon Bonaparte had risen to power in France and sent 21,000 French troops to attack St. Domingue. Toussaint was tricked into a negotiation meeting where he was captured and sent by ship to France where he later died in a French jail.  In 1803, Napoleon withdrew from Saint Dominique and by 1804, Haiti had become an independent nation. A great leader should be defined as one who possesses great political skill and moral leadership. The most important aspects of L'Ouverture's legacy included, his role as a liberator of slaves, his role as a strong military commander, and role as the ruler of St. Domingue. Although L'Ouverture was a strong military commander and ruler, his role as a liberator of slaves stood above all else as the abolishment of slavery was his most important concern and  life-long goal.

L’Ouverture’s legacy developed due to his role as an abolitionist. His primary goal was to contribute to the abolishment of slavery. Toussaint LOuverture had a large role in the French Revolution. He initially joined the revolution to serve as a doctor to the troops of  St. Domingue and commanded a small detachment of slave soldiers. L’Ouverture was recognized for being an orderly military commander, using guerilla tactics and European shoulder to shoulder style of combat. After slavery was abolished in France in 1794, L’Ouverture organized an army against the British, once again fighting for the abolishment of slavery. In 1798, L’Ouverture defeated the British and became the ruler of St. Domingue. Napoleon later sent 21,000 troops to St. Domingue to reinforce slavery and captured L’Ouverture. L’Ouverture was held captive in a French jail and died, unable to live to see Haiti gain it’s independence. (Doc A) Throughout Napoleon’s involvement in the French Revolution, Toussaint proved to be a strong, intelligent military leader and most importantly, liberator of slaves. In 1797, L’Ouverture wrote a letter to the French Directory in an effort to preserve the abolishment of slavery. Fearing that the French Directory would reinforce slavery, L’Ouverture wrote, “...they would sacrifice them all rather than be subjected again to slavery...But if...this were to be done, I declare to you that this would be to attempt the impossible: We have known how to confront danger to our liberty, and we will know how to confront death to preserve it”(Doc C). In this letter, L’Ouverture emphasized that it would be nearly impossible to reinforce slavery as the slaves have already been set free and would fight to any means to preserve their freedom.  As a former slave himself, L’Ouverture wrote this letter to preserve the rights and liberties of his people. In July of 1801, the St. Domingue Constitution was signed by Toussaint L’Ouverture. This Constitution declared the rights of slaves. As stated in  Article 14 of the Constitution, "The colony being essentially agricultural cannot suffer the least disruption in the works of its cultivation".  In this declaration, L'Ouverture recognized that agriculture should remain an important part of society and the only way to maintain a stable economy. L'Ouverture declared the abolishment of slavery in this constitution, but also considered society as a whole and the importance of economic preservation. Throughout this Constitution, L'Ouverture proved to be a considerate liberator of slaves, not only declaring the rights of slaves, but he also considered what was best for the community as a whole. L'Ouverture proved to be a great liberator of slaves and  fought selflessly for what he believed in.  Although L'Ouverture had been given freedom from his previous slave owner, he fought for the abolishment of slavery and was willing to sacrifice his own life for the freedom of others.

Although Toussaint is well known as an abolitionist, his role as leader of St. Domingue was also an important accomplishment. L’Ouverture was granted leadership to the island of St. Domingue after he had pledged allegiance to France and was appointed commander-in-chief of the St. Domingue. As stated in Article 28 of the Saint Domingue constitution, “ The Constitution nominate citizen Toussaint- L'Ouverture, Chief General of the army of St. Domingue and...he is entrusted the direction thereof for the remainder of his glorious life”.( Doc C) The advantage of this decision was that he was a well-liked, trusted, and fair leader. However, a disadvantage to this decision would have been the possibility of a dictatorship. In Articles 14,15 and 16, the Constitution also stated, “The colony being essentially agricultural cannot suffer the least disruption in the works of cultivation...Each plantation shall represent the quiet haven of an active and constant family, of which the owner of the land shall be the father...Each cultivator and each worker is a member of the family and is entitled to a share of the revenues”.  By signing this Constitution, L’ouverture declared justice for his people and ensured that his rule would be rightful and constitutional.  On November 25, 1801, L’Ouverture signed a new proclamation. This proclamation reinforced the rules given to workers on plantations. Some workers on plantations still felt enslaved, despite being payed for their labor. Workers often escaped their plantation to work for another. The new Proclamation proclaimed, “All male and female citizens must obtain a security card….Any individual tending to incite sedition shall be brought before a court martial….Any manager of driver or a plantation upon which a foreign cultivator shall have taken refuge shall denounce him to the captain or commander of the section within 24 hours….Vagabond cultivators arrested shall be taken to the commander of the quarter, who will have them sent to the gendarmerie”. ( Doc D) This Constitution set rules for the plantations to follow and reinforced these rules with consequences to those who do not abide.  L’Ouverture had created an orderly, disciplined community, which was an essential component to his rule over a large population. Through the creation and reinforcement of these rules, Toussaint L’Ouverture was successful in his position as the ruler of St. Domingue.

Lastly, another reason for L’Ouverture’s success as a great leader was due to his role as a military commander. Toussaint LOuverture had worked behind the scenes for many years, helping slaves fight for their justice. By 1793, L’Ouverture commanded a rebel army of 4,000 troops against French forces on the island. However, despite his military success,  L’Ouverture did not rule without resistance from some citizens.  L'Ouverture's nephew, Hyacinthe Moyse believed he was wrong to support plantation farming. Moyse believed that plantation farming was too similar to slavery and believed that each worker should be their own boss and farm their own portion of land. Mayse organized a rebellion against L’Ouverture on October 29, 1801. The revolt broke out in the Northern Plain, resulting in the murder of many white landowners. The war cry of the rebels was, “General Moyse is with us-death to all the whites”. (Doc E) Toussaint was so enraged by these actions  that he ordered rebels to blow their own brains out. Toussaint also ordered Moyse’s arrest and execution. Many believe that Toussaint was wrong to execute his own nephew and murder the rebels as the revolt may not have occurred if L’Ouverture had listened to the concerns of his nephew. However, L’Ouverture did have to put an end to the rebellion. Although he may have made poor decisions in  battle, he did conduct himself as a strong military commander, possessed the quality of toughness. In 1801, Napoleon was determined to regain control of St. Domingue, with the intentions of reinstating slavery. Several ships left France between 1801 and 1802 and 31,131 troops landed on St. Domingue. Toussaint gained the respect and confidence of  his soldiers due to his military skills, humanity, generosity, courage, and moral leadership. The French entered the port city of Samana as that was how they were accustomed to beginning battle. Aware of the French’s weaknesses, L’Ouverture burned down the city to avoid giving the French any resources and headed to the mountains. The French were not as familiar with the mountains as L’Ouverture and it provided him with an advantage. (Doc F) The battle between L’Ouverture and Napoleon showed L’Ouverture’s intelligence and strength as a military commander. Although some historians have questioned L’Ouverture’s actions during battle, he demonstrated incredible leadership skills and fortitude throughout his term as a leader.

Although L’Ouverture was a remarkable military leader and ruler of St. Domingue, his role as an abolitionist stood above all else and greatly contributed to his legacy as a great leader. In his roles as  ruler of St. Domingue, military leader, and an abolitionist, L’Ouverture’s strong leadership qualities such as political skill, moral leadership, and toughness enabled him to become a great leader. Toussaint L’Ouverture’s legacy has impacted our modern day leaders and will hopefully continue to inspire those who follow in his path.

Citations:

Doc A: various sources, unknown; Timeline of Abolition in Saint Domingue

Doc B: Toussaint L’Ouverture "Letter to the French Directory, November, 1797."

L'Ouverture, Toussaint. "Letter to the French Directory, November, 1797." Letter to French Directory. N.d. MS. N.p.

Doc C: The Saint Domingue Constitution of 1801, Signed by Toussaint L’Ouverture in July 1801

Doc D: Toussaint L’Ouverture, “Proclamation, 25 November 1801”

Doc E: Madison Smartt Bell, Toussaint L’Ouverture: A Biography, 2007

Bell, Madison Smartt. Toussaint Louverture: A Biography. New York: Pantheon, 2007. Print.

Document F: William Wells Brown, “A Description of Toussaint L’Ouverture” from The Black Man, His Antecedents, His Genius, and His Achievements, 2nd Edition, 1863, Engraving of Toussaint L’Ouverture, 1802

(I couldn’t seem to get rid of that highlighting^^^)

Unrecognized Successes of the Wars of 1830 and 1845

During the 1800’s four major wars occurred: the Decembrist Revolt of 1825, the French Revolution of 1830, the French Revolution of 1848, and the Revolution of Hungarian Independence in 1848. Historians often refer to these revolutions as failures based on the results of these revolts. Many, if not all of these revolutions resulted in failures. However, despite these failures, some of these revolutions contained aspects of success that have been failed to be recognized. In order to gain an understanding of these revolutions, members of the class were assigned a revolution, researched information about it, and create a Survey Monkey.These Survey Monkeys were anonymous surveys that students completed after reading a brief passage about a certain revolution. These surveys tested the students’ understanding of the revolutions and reinforced the information once the correct answers were revealed.

My group was assigned the Decembrist Revolt of 1825. Tsar Nicholas I was born in 1796, the third son of Tsar Paul. As such he had never been expected to become Emperor of Russia, and therefore received no preparation for the role. Despite his lack of experience, Tsar Nicholas admired military discipline and believed in the convictions of duty, order, and honor. After Tsar Nicholas’ death in 1825, confusion over his succession led directly to the Decembrists’ Revolt. Citizens were angered that Alexander had not granted meaningful constitutional change. Citizens wanted Constantine, brother of Alexander I, to rule. Alexander was believed to be more liberal than his brother and was expected to be successful. However, Constantine did not want to rule and Nicholas Alexander was arranged to take the throne after his brother’s death. Nicholas had himself proclaimed tsar and planned to have the Guards regiments in St. Petersburg swear loyalty as soon as possible. According to Mikhail Fonvisin, “....the slavery of the vast majority of Russians who had no rights, the cruel treatment of subordinates by their superiors, all manner of the abuse of power, everywhere arbitrary rule – all this excited the discontent and outraged the patriotic feelings of educated Russians.” Tsar Nicholas’ reign became unjust and his abuse of power were the reasons for the Decembrist Revolt of 1825. Surfs began to riot, but had to be shot by government officials in an effort to control the riots. Conditions in Russia became so horrible and citizens continued to become more and more outraged by his cruel treatment towards his own people. Yakushki stated, “Seeing the insipid life in St. Petersburg and listening to the babbling of old men praising the past and depreciating every progressive step was unbearable. We were a hundred years from them.” Russians were frustrated hearing complaints of Russia’s political problems as they had never travelled outside of the country and seen what could become of Russia. They had never seen that people can have rights and live peacefully. The Decembrist Revolt was not a single event so much as a reaction to the post Napoleonic war situation in Russia. For years, few Russians travelled abroad. They regarded the system as authoritarian with supreme power held by Tsar. Over time, they realized that the outside world had a lot more to offer than Russia. The Decembrist Movement was born out of this realization.

Other revolutions during this time period such as the French Revolution of 1830, the French Revolution of 1848, and the Frankfurt Assembly were also failures. In France during 1830, King Louis XVII’s efforts at compromising power satisfied few people. Ultraroyalists, liberals, and radicals all wanted different styles of government. After Louis XVII, Charles X then inherited the throne. He believed in absolutism. Liberals and radicals rioted, resulting in the abnegation of King Charles X. Louis Philippe then became king. Philippe allowed prosperity of upper bourgeoisie, but suffrage was only given to wealthy citizens. Philippe tried to benefit the middle and upper class, but ignored any issues regarding the poor. Although the French Revolution of 1830 may be considered a failure by historians, this revolution did contain successful aspects, such as the abnegation Charles X and initiating riots against King Louis XVII.

Another revolution seen as a failure by historians is the French Revolution of 1848. In France, everyone denounced Louis Philippe’s government and called for expanded suffrage. By the end of the decade, turmoile spread and Louis Philippe abdigated.  A group of liberal, radical, and socialist leaders proclaimed the Second Republic. Socialists forced the government to set up national workshops to provide jobs for the unemployed. However, upper- and middle-class interests shut down the workshops. Workers rioted, but boirgoisie liberals and peasants fought back. The National Assembly, dominated by members who wanted to restore order, issued a constitution for the Second Republic. It created a strong president and a one-house legislature. Newly elected president, Louis Napoleon, used his position as a steppingstone to increased his power. He later proclaimed himself as emperor and embarked on foreign adventures that brought down his empire and ended French leadership in Europe. Although the French Revolution of 1848 was considered a failure, it could also be viewed as a success. For example, Louis Philippe fled from his reign and a Second Republic was formed. This revolution established the principle to the right to work and the government created resources for the unemployed.

Lastly, in the German states, university students demanded national unity and liberal reforms. Economic hardships and famine brought struggle among citizens. In Prussia, liberals forced King Frederick William IV to agree to a constitution written by an elected assembly. He later rewrote his own, giving power to upper class. Throughout 1848, delegates from German states met in the Frankfurt Assembly. “We are to create a constitution for Germany, for the whole land,” declared one leader. Frederick William IV was offered the crown to a united Germany, but refused. The assembly soon dissolved under the threat of Prussian military. Outside the assembly, conservative forces rallied, sending citizens to prison, from their homeland and sent many to their death. If King Frederick William IV had accepted the German crown and if the constitution had remained, then the assembly would not have been considered a failure. The purpose of the assembly was to create a German constitution that would satisfy the whole of Germany and create a central system of government. Despite the obvious failures of the Frankfurt Assembly, it was an achievement to get the Parliament elected and draw a proposed constitution. Although many historians consider these revolutions as failures, the successes within these revolutions have failed to be recognized. Overall, despite the outcome of these revolutions, I would not label them as complete failures.

Pictures from our Decembrist Revolt Survey Monkey: