Unit 3: Revolutions and Reaction
Lesson D: The Americas — Land of Revolutionary Opportunity
Activity 6: Birth of Latin America
The independence of Latin American countries resulted from prolonged military and political battles. Enlightenment Era concepts, nationalism, and revolutionary ideals sparked decolonization and rebellion. The diversity of colonial populations often complicated events, as leaders in the Americas and in Europe had to balance interests among groups. While many groups benefited more from the revolutions and the independence that followed, all played a role in the end of European rule in the Americas. Think about these examples and review your notes and the discussions as you complete the BCR below.
Brief Constructed Response - Latin American Revolutions
What were the key factors that led to revolutions and independence in Latin America?
- Explain the role of Enlightenment ideals, nationalism, and revolutionary ideals in Latin American independence movements.
- Analyze and describe the role of one group below in the independence movements of Haiti, Mexico and Brazil, and Venezuela.
- creole elite (or criollos)
- mulatto
- mestizo
- Roman Catholic Church
- Indian population
- Include details and examples to support your answer.
Download the Student Resource: Latin American Revolutions Brief Constructed Response (BCR) (doc).
Select the link to review the Social Studies Rubric (pdf).
Submit the completed BCR to your teacher as instructed.
Now that you have learned about the causes and participants in the independence movements of Latin America, go on to the next activity to learn about new political changes in North America, specifically the British colony of Canada.
