Latin-American History

Latin-American History

Spanish Conquest

Spanish explorers and soldiers invade America in 1492, to maximize the Spanish Empire alongside the Portuguese. The invasion contributed to the migration and settlement of the Spaniards in different regions of America. After signing the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494, Spain and Portugal divided the new world into two, with Spain taking over the West and Portugal dominating the East. Spain’s motivation to conquer America was the presence of gold in the region, which would maximize trade and bring more wealth to Spain. Additionally, Spain’s desire to spread Christianity facilitated the conquest and colonization of the Americas. Christianity was a severe issue, and the Spaniards wished to convert the Native Americans into Christians (Belknap & Sandweiss 7986).

Christopher Columbus took many natives as slaves forcing them to work in their plantations under miserable living conditions. The native civilizations that inhabited America during the conquest were the Incas, Aztec, and Maya. The invasion of Spain and African slaves in the New World resulted in the spread of illnesses that were previously foreign to the natives. Diseases such as typhoid, measles, cholera, plagues took the lives of many inhabitants and conquistadors (Spanish conquerors). The conditions led to population decline, especially the indigenous people of America, as well as the permanent destruction of some native civilizations. Moreover, the cultures of the natives suffered erosion as the Spaniards imposed new religious beliefs on them. The intermarriages between the Spanish conquerors and indigenous women further led to the loss of the native cultures and a generation of mixed children..

The main reason behind the success of Spain in dominating the Americas was the modern weapon technology that was superior to the native’s tool weapons. Moreover, Spain’s military prowess in fighting also contributed to the success. The short-term positive impacts of Spain’s invasion were the introduction of new crops and animals and new learning methods, especially the Latin language. The conquest, moreover, saw Spain retain its dominance in Europe and the entire modern world as well as the growth of the Atlantic slave trade later in the 17^th century (Restall 160).

The Spanish-American war of 1898 remains a defining moment for Spain as America won the battle. After the war, Spain and the United States signed the Treaty of Paris in 1898, ending the Spanish empire. Under the Treated, Spain surrenders most of its Caribbean territories, notably Panama, which was Spain’s first settlement zone after the conquest. Moreover, Spain hands over Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Cuba, and Guam. The primary cause of the war was the United States’ support for Cuba’s independence from Spain.

Latin-American Culture

The colonization of the new world by Spain and Portugal saw an increase in migration and settlement in Native America. The movement of Spanish tourists, conquistadors, and merchants contributed to the development and improvement of the Latin culture. The ancient Columbian cultures, such as the Maya tribe, influenced the Latin culture, especially in regards to cuisines and dance. Moreover, the intermarriages between the Spanish men and indigenous women further influenced the wealth of the Spanish culture. Additionally, the interactions between the African slaves and the Spanish nationals during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade enriched the Latin culture, especially in regards to music and dance.

Cultural Diversity and Identity

The migration of Spanish nationals into the Native regions of the United States saw the influx of the Mulatto population owing to the intermarriages between the indigenous women and Spanish settlers who were mostly men. Spaniards racial mixing with African slaves and Natives was not a norm as it was in the 20^th century. The politics of race and color during the colonial period were unheard of in Spain’s territories since slavery was only a source of cheap labor.

Owing to the surrender of Puerto Rican Island by the United States after the Spanish-American war, Spanish culture was facing imminent erosion. The introduction of new English schools suffered considerable opposition from the Puerto Rican teachers and citizens. With most children speaking Spanish, the school teachers blend the two cultures, further enriching the Spanish dialect.  Moreover, the interactions between Spain and some tribes in the South and Central America contributes to the vastness of the Spanish culture, for example, cultural relations with Cuba and Hispania (Alvarez).

Economic Development

After the cession of Puerto Rico by the United States after the Spanish-American war, Spain loses one of its vital military island bases. Additionally, Puerto Rico was a significant passageway connecting Europe, South America, and other Caribbean islands. The Island strategic position allowed trading activities between European countries and America. Moreover, Puerto Rico was a harbor for African slaves working in the sugarcane and coffee plantations during the Spanish conquest. The acquisition of Puerto Rico by the United States negatively impacts Spain since it loses its main trade corridor and control of the Island.

Additionally, Spain lost the massive sugarcane plantations that were predominantly in Puerto Rico, therefore contributing to the decline of its economy. Furthermore, the cession of Puerto Ricans limited their rights and freedoms since they were still under American rule. Puerto Rico was dependent on Spain for protection and economic development.

Spain has been a capitalist society since the era of colonization dominating the world’s economy siding with Portugal. The capitalist nature of Spain’s economy may be a factor contributing to the underdevelopment the people are witnessing today. The era of immense Industrialization resulted in plantation and factory worker’s revolutionary movements to advocate for fair treatment by their employers (Alvarez). Moreover, the Church had been a significant economic contributor to Spanish foreign expeditions and the primary owner of the state’s property and wealth. Nevertheless, the Catholic Church was a victim of violent attacks from the liberals who felt the Church was exploiting them. Latin-American reluctance to adopt new economic solutions contributes further to underdevelopment, especially in the agricultural sector. The backward nature of the rural societies, moreover, exposes the region to continued financial struggles and corruption.

Art

The development of Latin-American art dates back to the ancient Columbian tribes during the Spanish colonization of America. After the invasion of Christopher Columbus in the new world, the conquistadors impose new cultures and traditions, especially Catholicism, which was a colorful art. The fusion between the native culture and Spanish cultures creates a new form of art (Indochristian art) since the natives were of Indian heritage. Catholicism played an essential role in the growth of Baroque painting, which was dominant during the 17^th century to the late 1790s. The establishment of the Cuzco School by Spain was an aim to popularize the art of painting by teaching the Indigenous Americans. Moreover, visual art has had significant contributions from Mexican artists such as Manuel Toussaint as well as influence from other Pre-Columbian civilizations (Van Buren 158).

Present Challenges

Latin-America faces a variety of challenges in the 21^st century, with the major problem being migration. Historically, Spain is responsible for conquering some regions of America, but in recent times Latin-Americans are finding it hard to migrate and settle in the United States. The reasons for increased Latina migration are due to the increased violence, abject poverty, and desire to provide a better life for their families. Under President’s Donald Trump leadership, the number of asylum slots for citizens of Latin descent is low due to the insecurity reasons. Moreover, America is stricter on Central Americans due to the high rates of gang-related violence that dominates the Mexican and Columbian states.

The corruption menace also poses more significant harm to Latin economy, especially in Venezuela. Most citizens live in deplorable conditions, and the United Nations intervention clearly shows the extent of the problem. Latin-America still faces significant economic crisis owing to the unwillingness to modernize its commercial practices such as competition and increased production of goods and services. Moreover, the illiteracy levels are high, as well as an unfair distribution of resources due to corrupt leadership. Conclusively, Latin history owes its heritage from several influences dating from the pre-colonial period to the present 21^st challenges.

Works Cited

Alvarez, Sonia E. Cultures of politics/politics of cultures: Revisioning Latin American social movements. Routledge, 2018.

Belknap, Daniel F., and Daniel H. Sandweiss. “Effect of the Spanish Conquest on coastal change in Northwestern Peru.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 111.22 (2014): 7986-7989.

Restall, Matthew. “The new conquest history.” History Compass 10.2 (2012): 151-160.

Van Buren, Mary. “The archaeological study of Spanish colonialism in the Americas.” Journal of Archaeological Research 18.2 (2010): 151-201.