The Latin American Revolutions: Three Different Stories

Recently, in class, we completed a shorter lesson on the Latin American Revolutions. Revolution has been a large aspect of what we have been learning in history, and this lesson deepened our understanding of not just revolution, but race as well. At the start of the lesson, we completed a few small activities to better our understanding of the Latin American Revolutions. In class, we separated in groups and each group was assigned a different revolution. Therefore, at the end of the lesson, we could share our findings and observations about each revolution. The three Latin American revolutions are the Mexico, Brazil, and Gran Columbia revolutions. My group was assigned the Gran Columbia revolution. Upon being assigned our revolution, we read an excerpt about it and then created our own time line of events. However, before we did this, we explored the ethnic makeup of the colonies during the revolutions, and colored in a pie chart to show the differing percentages of race. Indian people were the largest part of the pie chart, while Peninsulars made up only one percent of the population.Aside from the biggest and the smallest percentages, there were also the creoles, Mestizos, Mullattoes, and slaves which completed the rest of the pie chart. By doing this, we could gain a better understanding of the impact of race on the Latin America revolutions. Additionally, after each group studied their revolutions, we split up and shared our revolution with other groups. Therefore, we could compare all three revolutions and discuss the similarities and differences between them. The essential question for this lesson was, “Why is it essential to acknowledge human value regardless of race? How are the events in the Latin America revolutions evidence of this social imperative?” This question was important to think about because race did have a large role in the revolutions, and judgments regarding race are still made in society today.

Between all three revolutions, there were many similarities, as well as differences. Shown below, I have provided some of these similarities and differences, as well as a timeline of events of the Gran Columbia revolution.

Differences:

1.      All three revolutions have different leaders. The Brazil Revolution’s leader was Pedro, while the Mexican Revolution’s leader was Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. Lastly, the leader of the Gran Columbian revolution was Simon Bolivar.

2.      All the revolutions that occurred were not all revolutions that included fighting. The revolution in Brazil was the only peaceful transition to independence, and the Mexico and Gran Columbia revolutions both included fighting for independence.

Similarities:

1.      All three revolutions occur around the same time period, specifically the 19^th century. (1800s)

2.      All three revolutions were revolutions that fought for independence, although they were very different and were led by different leaders.

 

 

 

 

Although all three revolutions took different routes to independence, race was an issue in all three. Starting off with the Gran Columbian revolution, the leader, Simon Bolivar was a creole. In his army, there are many people of difference races. He is leading an army made up of Mestizos and Malattoes, which together are going against the Peninsulars. Their goal is to end Spanish rule, hoping it will end the Spanish Caste system, which is divided by race. Simon Bolivar was able to get many people of difference races to fight against the peninsulars, making race a large aspect of this revolution. Bolivar’s dream was freedom for all races in the Americas. Aside from the Gran Columbian revolution, there was also the Brazilian revolution lead by Pedro. Race played a big part in this revolution as well. Despite his role in leading Brazil to independence, Pedro soon starts to lose a lot of support from his people. Many of them opposed the new constitution written under his supervision and enacted in 1824. They were also displeased when he overrode the decision of the newly created Brazilian parliament and surrounded himself with Portuguese-born cabinet ministers Pedro only allowed Peninsulars in his government, so people started to resent him, and we displeased with him as well. Pedro is a peninsular and he becomes less and less popular. The race issue comes into play because the new king is discriminating against people in terms of who gets to have key positions in the government. Race had a large role in the Mexican revolution as well. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was the leader of this revolution, and launched the Mexican War of Independence. Miguel wanted to end the three hundred years of Spanish rule in Mexico, and in return he hoped for redistribution of land and racial equality. The Mestizos (who were lower on the Spanish Caste System) made up the army, which marched to Mexico City to fight for their independence and racial equality.

 

In today’s world, race undoubtedly is still a growing problem, although many people choose not to address it. Judgments based on race are made every day, and sometimes people don’t even realize that they are judging someone. Lately in the news, there have been many cases where race plays a large role in the issue or crime. Ferguson has been a developing issue in recent months. On August 9^th, 2014, an 18 year old black man was fatally shot by Darren Wilson, a white police officer. The reason behind this fatal shooting has been investigated for months, and many people believe that racism may have had a role in this shooting. Following the shooting, there have been many protests regarding Justice for Michael Brown, the victim, and protests regarding civil rights and equality. People like Darren Wilson may not seem racist, but they very well could be. Many people find the topic of racism to be embarrassing or one that they do not want to talk about, but it is a growing problem, and this event shows that judgments regarding race are still made today. Aside from Ferguson, many people of African American decent are discriminated against when it comes to finding a job, and in any aspect of their everyday life. In my opinion, I do believe that it is still important to consider the issue of race in our lives today. Although many people fail to address it, racism is an issue that affects many people. There may not be signs above bathrooms saying, “Whites only”, but it is an issue, as was in beginning of this country. Both publicly and secretly it factors many things: relationships, jobs, friendships, and then some. This occurs with not just blacks, but many other races as well.

The Story of Toussaint Louverture: An Exquiste Leader

Toussaint Louverture

 

In today's world, there are countless leaders who serve as people who are able to help and guide others. A great leader in today's world is Mary Jane Roche, who is a previous dancer at J and D Dance Academy in Reading.  She is confident and is always willing to lead and help others when they need it. Additionally, Mary Jane is a friendly, honest, and compassionate person who is always willing to provide help for older or younger girls at J and D. Because she is  older than most dancers, she is able to help others because she has had a lot of previous experience. She is not an "official leader", but from what she has shown, she depicts qualities of a good, confident leader . Relating to Mary Jane, there have been exquisite leaders in past events of history as well. Although there are many, Toussaint Louverture’s leadership position is one of the most well remembered. However, in order to begin the story of Toussaint Louverture, it is essential to discuss geography and places that pertained to Louverture’s role as a thriving leader. In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on the caribbean island of Hispaniola and two centuries later, the French took control of the western half of Hispaniola, and renamed it Saint Domingue. Although staying “Saint Domingue” for many years, in 1804, the island was renamed Haiti. Under French control, Saint Domingue was a very economically valuable island. By the 1700s, its eight thousand plantations were producing forty percent of the worlds sugar and more than half of the worlds coffee. The plantations were worked on by thousands of slaves, who were owned by white planters. Planters were rich, white owners of slaves, however some were mixed race as well. In the summer of 1789, news of the French Revolution swept across the land. After whites refused to end slavery in Saint Domingue, thousands of plantations were burned and thousands of whites and mixed race people were killed. During this  revolution, Toussaint Louverture emerged as a leader. As a former slave, Toussaint knew what is was like to be under the conditions that slaves suffered. Therefore, although he was no longer a slave, he encourage present slaves to fight for their freedom.Commanding a rebel army of about 4,000 troops against the French, he planned to fight against them. However, in 1794, the revolutionary government in France abolished all slavery in the French colonies, so Toussaint immediately sided with the French. Although this did occur, it did not last long, because Napoleon Bonaparte had risen to power in France and Toussaint feared that Napoleon was going to reinstate slavery. In other words, it was feared that he was going to restore slavery.Appointed commander-in-chief of the army, Toussaint was considered the most powerful person on the island. Toussaint Louverture should be remembered as an outstanding liberator of slaves, military commander, and ruler of Saint Domingue. Although Toussaint was an accomplished ruler and military commander, looking at his life events, he was most importantly a liberator of slaves. Toussaint was formerly a slave, and withheld strong personal views on abolishing slavery.Additionally, Toussaint had a deeper connection with slavery, making it one of his top priorities to end it indefinitely.

In 1789, the French Revolution occurred, and this infamous event triggered the later slave revolution in Saint Domingue. Shown in a timeline created by various sources, it is evident that Toussaint Louverture had an immense impact on thousands of slaves in Saint Domingue. In 1791, a slave revolt began in the north of Saint Domingue, and “Toussaint joins the revolution and serves as doctor to his troops” (Document A). This clearly shows that Toussaint cared very much about his slave soldiers, and he was willing to do anything for his men. Toussaint’s goal was to abolish slavery, and commanding a small detachment of slave soldiers would allow him to achieve this goal. As leader of the Haitian Revolution that erupted, Toussaint trained his soldiers in both Guerilla tactics and European Style fighting. Guerilla tactics were fast paced and were most often a surprise to the opponent. On the other hand, European Style was known as true marching, shoulder to shoulder. Toussaint trained his soldiers in both ways, this is because, the opponent would be thrown off guard if Toussaints troops would use a type of fighting that they weren't use it. Advocating for slaves and their freedom was very important to Toussaint. All the armies that he rallied together were for the sole purpose of moving toward the goal of abolishing slavery. One of Toussaint’s biggests fears revolved around the new conservative government. In Saint Domingue, people feared that this new government was going to reinstate slavery. In response to this, Toussaint decides to write a letter to the French government, simply because he is angry that slavery may be restored.However, in Toussaint’s opinion, it would be impossible to restore slavery in Saint Domingue. This is because, the people have already achieved freedom. As Toussaint describes, “Could men who have once enjoyed the benefits of liberty look calmly while it taken from them!” (Document B). Included in the letter, there is also a threat to the French government, as Toussaint explains, “We have known how to confront danger to our liberty, and we will know how to confront death to preserve it”(Document B). This threat shows that Toussaint Louverture cared very much about abolishing slavery, and his work as a liberator of slaves was undoubtedly very important to him. He believed that it was his destiny to keep the slaves free. In 1801,Toussaint Louverture created a constitution for Saint Domingue. Included in the constitution, Toussaint explains that, “There cannot exist slaves in this territory, servitude is therein forever abolished. All men are born, live, and die free and French” (Document C). Toussaint was a committed abolitionist and he did not want any slavery on the island. Also, Toussaint explains that each cultivator and worker should be treated like family, not like a slave. This constitution shows that he was very serious about keeping slavery off of Saint Domingue and he worked hard to get this across to all people. According to Toussaint’s Constitution, it is evident that his work as an abolitionist was most important, even though he was the prime mover behind the constitution. This constitution of 1801 was just one step closer in his fight for abolishing slavery indefinitely If Toussaint Louverture did not exist, slavery may still exist in Saint Domingue today (Haiti). Toussaint wasn’t just a liberator of slaves, he also was a successful ruler. Toussaint Louverture took control of Saint Domingue and worked hard as a leader to make sure the island was victorious and free of slavery.

Aside from liberator of slaves, Toussaint Louverture should most definitely be remembered as as an excellent ruler of Saint Domingue. In 1801, Toussaint was the prime mover behind the constitution. Signed by Louverture in 1801, the constitution addresses the inhabitants, culture, economy, and government of Saint Domingue. Article 28 of the constitution states, “The constitution nominate citizen Toussaint Louverture, Chief General of the army of Saint Domingue and….he is entrusted the direction thereof for the remainder of his glorious life.” (Document C). Being an exquisite ruler, the fact that he is promised leadership for life is a positive thing, and this shows that the people of Saint Domingue believed that he was a good person and leader who would be able to effectively lead the island. Even though there are some disadvantages to him becoming leader for life, he is a smart leader, which overrides all. Basically, the constitution lays down the law for what Saint Domingue must abide by. It is described in the constitution that Toussaint will not have any slavery on the island and how he believes that all cultivators should be treated like family, not as slaves. This constitution shows Toussaint’s role as a ruler and his authority over the island. A few months after signing the constitution, Toussaint then creates a proclamation, which further depicts his authority and the laws of Saint Domingue. Compared to the Constitution signed four months earlier, the proclamation is much more strict and serious, because the Constitution was not working out well. In making this proclamation, Toussaint Louverture’s goal was to maintain order and notify everyone of the laws. In the proclamation, Toussaint describes the consequences of certain crimes. A vagabond cultivator who is supposed to be working, but isn’t, faces the chances of getting arrested. In addition, any manager of a plantation who has an outside worker taking refuge in their plantation faces up to one week in prison. As Toussaint describes, “Any manager or driver of 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 under penalty of one week in prison.” (Document D). He also explains that a worker who isn’t working, known as a vagabond cultivator, should be immediately be arrested. This Proclamation of 1801 demonstrates Toussaint’s authority, and shows the people of Saint Domingue who is in charge. Additionally, both the Constitution and Proclamation show that Toussaint wanted everything to be orderly and non-violent. However, Toussaint was not just a ruler, but also an exquisite military commander.

    Military commander was one of the most important attributes of Toussaint Louverture, as he cared very much about his army and was always willing to fight for what he believed was right. Even though for the most part, Toussaint was a smart and positive leader, he did have some flaws. Toussaint did not rule without resistance from the citizens of Saint Domingue, or even his own nephew. Toussaint’s nephew, Hyacinthe Moyse, believed that Toussaint was wrong to support plantation farming. Because of this, Moyse organized a rebellion against Toussaint. It was just Moyse who did not agree with Toussaint, but also a lot of former slaves as well. The former slaves did not like that their day to day lives haven’t changed. Even though they weren't slaves anymore, they still had to work like  they were. This deeply angered them. Moyse and other former slaves distrusted Toussaint because he had a good, but suspicious relationship with white planters. Moyse’s revolt occurred on October 29th, 1801, and “whites were massacred from Fort Liberte to the gates of Cap Francis” (Document E). Upon hearing of this revolt, Toussaint was enraged and he order some of his men to fight and kill Moye’s soldiers. In doing this, Toussaint did not focus on the real problem at hand, that former slaves did not want to work on large scale plantations. Instead of murdering plantation owners and  fighting back, Toussaint should have just took Moyse out of power. This event shows Toussaint as a military commander, but not a good one. Although this revolt did show Toussaint from a negative standpoint, he also possessed a lot of qualities that helped him gain his soldiers confidence and respect. As William Wells Brown describes,  “Toussaint, by his superior knowledge of this character of his race, his humanity, generosity, and courage, had gained the confidence of all whom he had under his command”. (Document F). In 1801, Napoleon was determined to take control of Saint Domingue again, and it was rumored that the French were coming to the port city of Samana. Upon coming, Napoleon hoped to reinstate slavery. In response to this, Toussaint decides to burn down Samana so that Napoleon would not be able to have access to it or reinstate slavery. Toussaint’s army then moved to the mountains, so that when the French arrived they could use guerilla tactics on them. This is a very smart decision, because the French are not familiar with guerilla tactics, so therefore they would be unprepared. This shows that Toussaint was an intelligent military commander who knew what he was doing, and was able to effectively lead his soldiers to victory.

Although Toussaint Louverture should be remembered for being a military commander as well ruler of Saint Domingue, it is clear that his his role as liberator of slaves should be most greatly remembered . Without him, the slaves wouldn’t have worked so hard for their freedom,and Haiti most likely would have never regained their independence. Though he did have a few flaws during his role as a leader, his knowledge, generosity, and couraged overruled his negative aspects. He was not always gentle with his methods, but he always knew what he was doing. Having been a previous young slave, Toussaint understood  how the slaves felt, and his deeper connection with slavery encouraged him to help all. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Toussaint served as an excellent leader, making him someone to remember.

 
Link for photo: http://imgc.artprintimages.com/images/art-print/toussaint-l-ouverture_i-G-29-2929-JH6RD00Z.jpg

Bibliography:

Document A: Created from various sources.

Document B: Toussaint Louverture, "Letter to the French Directory, November 1797."

Document C: The Saint Domingue Constitution of 1801. Signed by Toussaint Louverture in July 1801.

Document D: Toussaint Louverture, “Proclamation, 25 November 1801.”

Document E:Madison Smartt Bell, Toussaint Louverture: A Bibliography, 2007.

Document F: William Wells Brown, “A Description of Toussaint Louverture,” from The Black Man, His Antecedents, His Genius, and His Achievements, 2nd edition, 1863. Engraving of Toussaint Louverture, 1802.



19th Century Survey Monkey: Revolutions and more!



Revolutions in France: 1830 and 1848
http://lhswildcats.org/content/must-know-maps



Moving deeper into learning about the Atlantic Revolutions, we started discussing the revolutions of 1830 and 1848. In class, we worked in groups researching our specific revolution and providing important info to share with the rest of the class. The revolutions include, the Decembrist Revolt, 1830 France, 1848 France, 1848 Frankfurt Assembly, and 1848 Hungary. The essential question we were told to keep in mind throughout the lesson was, "Were the Revolutions of 1830 and 1848 really failures as many historians have concluded?" This question guided us through the lesson and gave us something to think about while researching our revolutions. To get started, we analyzed a map of the revolutions of 1830 and 1848. This map gave me a clear idea of how revolution was spreading everywhere, and how it was not stopped. Every time a revolution was suppressed, another one popped up somewhere else. Alexis de Tocqueville once said, "We are sleeping on a volcano. Do you not see that Earth trembles anew? A wind of revolution blows, a storm is on the horizon." This map clearly demonstrates Alexis' comment on the spread of revolution during the 19th century. Below, I have provided a map that depicts the revolutions of that time period. In addition, we also created a scale for measuring the success/failure of a social/political  revolution. In my group, we decided that a failure means that no change has occurred and the goals for revolution haven't been reached. We described a success as all goals are reached and have been fulfilled. In total, the scale included 5 points along the continuum. ­Klemens von Metternich once said, " When France sneezes, Europe catches a cold." The eruption most likely started in France because not only has France already experience a revolt, but France was also one of the most influential countries of the 19th century. If France experienced a revolution or some other societal unrest, then the rest of Europe would feel the effects as well. After a little bit of analyzing, each group was assigned a revolution. My group studied the revolution of 1830 France and to start off we pulled out the basic information on the revolution. This helped us get a concrete idea of 1830 France. After getting our chart approved by Ms. Gallagher, we analyzed the primary sources and decided whether they were , goals , opponent, or outcome. Pulling out quotes and providing sourcing information was also included in this process. Lastly, using our scale, we decided whether or not the revolution of 1830 France was a success or a failure and explained our choice. Creating our Survey Monkey was the last part of this lesson, where we educated the rest of the class on our revolution. Each group created an analytical quiz on their revolution and then the rest of class took it. This gave the chance for each person to become educated on the many revolutions discussed.

 

July 25th, 1830 was the day when the Revolution of 1830 France started. The liberals wanted to extend suffrage, the right to vote in political elections, and a win a share of power for the middle class elections (since this was obviously lacking). In terms of goals for liberals, they wanted a government who recognized the rights of humanity and the basic human rights of people. The Ultra Royalists were the opponents in this situation, they were  the king's supporters and  despised constitutional government and wanted to restore the old regime. The Ultra Royalists included many high clergy and émigré nobles who had returned to France in the years after the revolution. After King Louis XVIII died, Charles X inherited the throne. To the liberals dismay, Charles X did exactly the opposite of what they wanted. In response to this, "In Paris, angry citizens threw up barricades across the narrow streets. From behind them, they fired on the soldiers and pelted them with stones and roof tiles. Within days, rebels controlled Paris". Looking at a primary source, it is described that, "Charles X can no longer return to Paris; he has caused the blood of the people to flow."( Theirs, Adolphe.2 “Orleanist Manifesto.”  July 30, 1830. In Laurisse and Rambaud, Histoire Genrale, 287-288) Frightened, Charles X fled to England, showing that he could not control the liberals. As a result of this, the Chamber of Deputies chose Louis Philippe, "The Citizen King", and really he did not fulfill the wants of the liberals, even though he did get along well with them. Although he did say, "The Chambers are about to convene and will deliberate upon the means to assure the reign of the laws and the maintenance of the rights of the nation."(Proclamation by Louis Philippe, August 1, 1830.  In Moniteur, August 2, 1830). Despite this, the goals were not reached for anyone but the upper class. Louis Philippe did not establish rights for ALL people. Not as many things were achieved as intended, showing that this revolution was moderately successful. Yes, goals were reached for upper class, but not for everyone. The king was not chosen fairly, he was a cousin of Charles X. Louis XVII's reign only allowed for the upper class to prosper, thus angering the middle class. Now, these are merely just the basic, concrete facts of the revolution. However, they are important to the understanding of the revolution as a whole.

 

There is a lot to consider when answering the question, "Were the revolutions of 1830 of 1848 really failures as many historians concluded. Besides the French Revolution of 1830, there are many other revolutions to take into account when answering this question. Knowing that this question can be debated, I thought that I would give my opinion on the matter. In my opinion, I do believe that the revolutions of 1830 and 1848 were a failure as a whole. Most of the revolutions were not complete failures, but they weren't total successes either. I feel as though this says a lot. The French Revolution of 1848 had many positive aspects, such as the gain of the Second Empire, which over 90% of people supported. However, that second empire was soon abolished. It is described that, " In time, however, Napoleon III would embark on foreign adventures that would bring down his empire and end French leadership in Europe"(background essay). Even though the second empire was created, it soon was ended, showing that no real progress was made. Additionally, the Frankfurt assembly was quite a failure. The Prussian king did not accept an offer made a the assembly. The King describes that, "I am not able to return a favorable reply to the offer of a crown on the part of the German National Assembly [meeting in Frankfurt], because the Assembly has not the right, without the consent of the German governments..."(Friedrich Wilhelm IV, King of Prussia: Proclamation of 1849). Because the offer came from the people and not the German people, he would not accept it. This crushed any hopes that Germany had. As a result of this, the assembly was dissolved and in the end hundreds of people were killed. Lastly, the Hungary revolt of 1848 was not totally a failure, but is was not a success either. In Budapest, Hungarian nationalists demanded an independent government, an end to serfdom, and a written constitution to protect their rights, Although the Austrian government agreed to these reforms, but they were temporary. Austrian forces took over the rebels and many were imprisoned or killed. So, although there was a bit of gain, there was also a lot of loss. Looking at these three specific revolutions, I feel like they were collectively all failures. So, to wrap things up, I agree with what historians have concluded.

 

Survey Monkey Part 1: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZB6673Z
Survey Monkey Part 2:https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZB6673

 
Below, I have provided some screenshots of my Survey Monkey. Judging from the results, it is evident that most students correctly answered the questions. We provided eleven questions on the French Revolution of 1830.