Creoles Dbq Analysis

Since the start of the conflict in the 15th century, Europeans have crossed the Atlantic to conquer almost all of the New World. Between 1810 and 1826, revolutions broke out across Latin America. Several Latin Americans resented the jurisdiction Spain had over its colonies in North and South America. The leaders, Simon Bolivar and Jose de San Martin, were two of the significant Latin American leaders during the attempt for the independence of Spain. These two men derive from a social class known as Creoles, which were born in the Americas yet their ancestors originate from Europe. Peninsulares, who were Spanish and born in Spain, migrated to the colonies of Creoles, who were Spanish and lived in America, taking over and working in the highest
Spain imposed taxies, regulated their production, and limited trade in order to control the colonies’ economies a certain way to benefit themselves, not the Creoles. This mercantile system angered Creoles, as they felt that the Spanish had been taking advantage of them and their efforts, preventing them from gaining what they rightfully deserve. Frustration grew over these economic policies which only made the tension between the two sides grow. This was an act of motivation to Creoles in considering moving away from the colonial rule. Creoles believe that by fighting their way to independence they would finally have an opportunity to become successful. Then, Creoles began to blame the events from the drought on peninsulares, leading them to want to take action as it is described in Alan Knight’s article on Mexico: The Colonial Era, explaining that “ Creole elites, indignant and threatened, now sought to capitalize on these social tensions” (Doc D). The Creoles were terrified that this depression would leave them powerless, since they had been deprived of their political authority and relied on their influence economically. From the drought, they had already lost their livestock and crops, the food priced tripled, and unemployment
One of the reasons Creoles were motivated to fight for their independence is located in Howard J. Wiarda and Harvey F. Kline’s article on Latin American Politics and Development in which it is stated, “The Creoles had growing economic and social influence, but the peninsulares monopolized all administrative positions” (Doc B). The second highest class in the New World, The Creoles, was greatly motivated by political power. With a larger percent of Creole population, only 12 were judges and 87 judges were peninsulares. No equality takes place as Creoles only have about 1/7th of the amount of judges the peninsulares hold. Power was present yet limited for Creoles, as the real authority is placed in the hands of the peninsulares. With these conflicts on the Creoles’ plate, they become greatly infuriated. So naturally, they decide they must handle this situation before they lose everything. They begin to think of “doing away with the inconvenience of Spanish colonialism”, resulting in their fight towards independence. Creoles ultimately wanted their power back for themselves, Simon Bolivar’s address to the Congress of Angostura explains, “We are disputing with the natives for titles of ownership, and at the same time we are struggling to maintain ourselves in the country that gave us birth against the opposition of the invaders” (Doc