SAQ – Latin American Revolutions Excerpt A The role of the inhabitants of the American hemisphere has for centuries been purely passive. Politically they were nonexistent. We are still in a position lower than slavery, and therefore it is more difficult for us to rise to the enjoyment of freedom…a people is enslaved when the government, by its nature or its vices, infringes on and usurps the rights of the citizen or subject. [This is reminiscent of the principle described by Locke & Rousseau that governments have a kind of contract with the people that insists on good government and respecting the rights of the people.] Applying these principles, we find that America was denied not only its freedom but even an active and effective tyranny We have been harassed by a conduct which has not only deprived us of our rights but has kept us in a sort of permanent infancy with regard to public affairs. If we could at least have managed our domestic affairs and our internal administration, we could have acquainted ourselves with the processes and mechanics of public affairs. Simon Bolivar, “The Jamaica Letter” – 1815
Excerpt B Despite the convictions of history, South Americans have made efforts to obtain liberal, even perfect, institutions, doubtless out of that instinct to aspire to the greatest possible happiness, which, common to all men, is bound to follow in civil societies founded on the principles of justice, liberty, and equality. But are we capable of maintaining in proper balance the difficult charge of a republic? Is it conceivable that a newly emancipated people can soar to the heights of liberty, and, unlike Icarus, neither have its wings melt nor fall into an abyss? Such a marvel is inconceivable and without precedent. There is no reasonable probability to bolster our hopes. Simon Bolivar, “The Jamaica Letter” – 1815 Using the above excerpt and your knowledge World History:
A. Identify and explain one reason that Bolivar believes that it will be difficult for the South American colonies of Spain to rule themselves when independence comes.
B. Identify and explain ONE thing that inspires Bolivars views about what government in the Spanish Americas should be after independence. Be specific and use as many details as possible.
C. Identify and explain a SECOND thing that inspires Bolivar’s views about what government in the Spanish Americas should be after independence. Be specific and use as many details as possible.