Unit 3: Revolutions and Reaction
Lesson D: The Americas — Land of Revolutionary Opportunity
Activity 4: Latin American Revolutions
Revolution spread to most of Latin America, and from 1810 to 1825, Mexico, Central America, and South America gained independence from Spain and Portugal. Enlightenment Era concepts, nationalism, and revolutionary ideals sparked decolonization and rebellion. The diversity of colonial populations and tensions among social classes often complicated events. Many groups played important roles in the revolutions and their efforts achieved Enlightenment ideals to varying degrees.
Classroom Activity - Independence and Enlightenment Ideals
Jigsaw
Directions: In this activity, you will complete a jigsaw activity about independence and Enlightenment ideals in Latin America in the countries of Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, and Haiti. Use the fact sheets to examine information about these countries. Your teacher may assign you to do additional research about these countries.
Download the Student Resource: Independence and the Enlightenment Jigsaw (pdf)
Discussion
Directions: Prepare a response to the discussion questions below. Follow your teacher’s directions to participate in your class discussion.
- What were the roles of the upper, lower, and indigenous classes in the independence movements?
- What were the effects of this class system on society once independence was won?
Now that you have learned about the roles of specific groups in Latin American revolutions, go on to the next activity.
