The Male Revolution in Bahia
Edgardo Martinez
Latin American Civilization II
February 25, 2013
Realms of Rebellion
Throughout history, Latin American slaves have been thought of as rebellious groups with little, if any, power over their own destinies, much less the course of history. To imply that their rebellious behavior did not pave the way for incredible social, political, and economic changes all over Latin America, however, would be inaccurate. Evidence of “progress through revolt” can be seen in Slave Rebellion in Brazil: The Muslim Uprising of 1835 in Bahia by Joao Jose Reis. Another document that provides similar evidence is James E Sanders’ “Citizens of a Free People: Popular Liberalism and Race in Nineteenth-Century Southwestern Colombia”. Both of these texts provide insight into slave rebellions in the nineteenth century, and evaluate the successes and failures of those rebellions. Although there is a tendency to romanticize the oppressed when discussing slavery, and slave rebellion in particular, Reis and Sanders present balanced evidence to ensure they do not overstate the importance of the Afro-Colombian or Malê slave rebellions. Though neither group ever achieved their intended goals with their insurrections, they did all make progress toward their objectives, which is successful rebellion. In order to properly discuss rebellion, it is necessary to define the term, particularly with regard to nineteenth-century Latin American society. Meriam-Webster defines rebellion as “open, armed, and usually unsuccessful defiance of or resistance to an established government.” Rebellion, however, can take many forms other than just “open and armed defiance.” Historian John H. Coastworth more accurately describes these movements “to include any collective behavior that has as its motive or unintended effect an alteration (or preservation under assault) in the material conditions, social
Latin American Civilization II
February 25, 2013
Realms of Rebellion
Throughout history, Latin American slaves have been thought of as rebellious groups with little, if any, power over their own destinies, much less the course of history. To imply that their rebellious behavior did not pave the way for incredible social, political, and economic changes all over Latin America, however, would be inaccurate. Evidence of “progress through revolt” can be seen in Slave Rebellion in Brazil: The Muslim Uprising of 1835 in Bahia by Joao Jose Reis. Another document that provides similar evidence is James E Sanders’ “Citizens of a Free People: Popular Liberalism and Race in Nineteenth-Century Southwestern Colombia”. Both of these texts provide insight into slave rebellions in the nineteenth century, and evaluate the successes and failures of those rebellions. Although there is a tendency to romanticize the oppressed when discussing slavery, and slave rebellion in particular, Reis and Sanders present balanced evidence to ensure they do not overstate the importance of the Afro-Colombian or Malê slave rebellions. Though neither group ever achieved their intended goals with their insurrections, they did all make progress toward their objectives, which is successful rebellion. In order to properly discuss rebellion, it is necessary to define the term, particularly with regard to nineteenth-century Latin American society. Meriam-Webster defines rebellion as “open, armed, and usually unsuccessful defiance of or resistance to an established government.” Rebellion, however, can take many forms other than just “open and armed defiance.” Historian John H. Coastworth more accurately describes these movements “to include any collective behavior that has as its motive or unintended effect an alteration (or preservation under assault) in the material conditions, social
Bibliography: Coatsworth, John H. Friedrich Katz (ed.), Riot, Rebellion, and Revolution: Rural and Social Conflict in Mexico. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. 1988. Merriam-Webster.com, "Rebellion". 2013. http://www.merriam-webster.com (19 February 2013). Reis, Joao Jose. Slave Rebellion in Brazil: The Muslim Uprising of 1835 in Bahia. Baltimore and London. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1993. Sanders, James E. “Citizens of a Free People: Popular Liberalism and Race in Nineteenth-Century Southwestern Columbia.” Hispanic American Historical Review 84:2. Duke University Press, 2004. [ 2 ]. Coatsworth, John H. Friedrich Katz (ed.), Riot, Rebellion, and Revolution: Rural and Social Conflict in Mexico. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. 1988. Page 22. [ 3 ]. Reis, Joao Jose. Slave Rebellion in Brazil: The Muslim Uprising of 1835 in Bahia. Baltimore and London. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1993. Page 104. [ 6 ]. Sanders, James E. “Citizens of a Free People: Popular Liberalism and Race in Nineteenth-Century Southwestern Columbia.” Hispanic American Historical Review 84:2. Duke University Press, 2004. Page 279.