Posted: April 12th, 2023

SPAN0032: History of Colonial Latin America Essay

SPAN0032: History of Colonial Latin America
Essay Questions
The assessment for this module consists of two 2,000-word essays. Essays must be submitted
in English.
There are two questions relating to each of the nine substantive classes that make up the course
(there is no question relating to the introductory class in week 1). Students must choose
questions relating to two different classes. There are no other restrictions on choice of
questions.
In addition to the set questions, you may also write an independently-designed essay question
on any topic relating to the module. The question must be referred to the module tutor for prior
approval.
Submission deadline for essay 1: Monday 20 February 2023 at 4:00pm
Submission deadline for essay 2: Monday 24 April 2023 at 4:00pm
1 (a): How valid are cultural explanations for the Spanish conquest? Ace my homework – Write my paper – Online assignment help tutors – Discuss.
1 (b): How has Jared Diamond’s book Guns, Germs, and Steel affected traditional
interpretations of the Iberian conquest of the Americas?
2 (a): What factors favoured rapid evangelisation of native peoples in colonial Latin America?
What factors hindered this process?
2 (b): Did religious syncretism represent more the maintenance of native culture in colonial
Latin America, or its destruction?
3 (a): How did demographic collapse affect native populations in the Americas during the first
century after Columbus?
3 (b): How did the Columbian Exchange affect food production and consumption in colonial
Latin America?
4 (a): What was the impact of rebellions and revolts among slave communities in colonial Latin
America? Focus on the Spanish colonies AND Brazil, but NOT on Haiti.
4 (b): How did runaway slave communities such as the quilombo of Palmares maintain and
defend themselves?
PLEASE TURN OVER
5 (a): What was the contribution of mining to the development of the Iberian colonies in the
Americas? Ace my homework – Write my paper – Online assignment help tutors – Discuss with reference to EITHER Spanish America OR Brazil.
5 (b): How well did the Carrera de Indias serve the interests of the Spanish crown? How well
did it serve the interests of the colonies?
6 (a): By the mid-seventeenth century, which needed the other more: the American colonies or
their European metropolises? Ace my homework – Write my paper – Online assignment help tutors – Discuss with reference to EITHER Spain and Spanish America,
OR Portugal and Brazil.
6 (b): What role did the American colonies play within the global Iberian empires, and how did
this role change over time? Ace my homework – Write my paper – Online assignment help tutors – Discuss with reference to EITHER Spain and Spanish America,
OR Portugal and Brazil.
7 (a): What were Bourbon reformers seeking to change in colonial Spanish America? How
successful were they in their efforts?
7 (b): How Enlightened was Pombaline reform in colonial Brazil?
8 (a): What were the main causes of the Túpaq Amaru rebellion in Peru?
8 (b): Explore the role of “Inca nationalism” in eighteenth-century native revolts against
Spanish rule in the Andes.
9 (a): Explore the interplay of internal and external influences on the wars of independence in
Latin America. Base your answer on EITHER Spanish America OR Brazil.
9 (b): Assess the part played by creole nationalism in the Spanish-American independence
movements.

9 (b): Assess the part played by creole nationalism in the Spanish-American independence movements.

Creole nationalism was a major driving force behind the independence movements that occurred throughout Spanish America in the early 19th century. Creoles were descendants of European settlers who were born in the Americas and saw themselves as distinct from both the European colonizers and the indigenous peoples. This sense of distinctiveness fostered a desire for greater autonomy and ultimately independence from Spain.

One factor that contributed to the growth of creole nationalism was the increasing economic importance of the colonies. As the colonies developed their own economies, creoles began to see themselves as more important to the empire than Spain itself. In addition, the Napoleonic Wars in Europe weakened Spain and allowed creoles to take advantage of the power vacuum to assert their own authority.

Creole nationalism was also shaped by the ideas of the Enlightenment and the French Revolution, which promoted the concepts of individual rights and national sovereignty. Creoles saw themselves as inheritors of these ideas and sought to apply them in their own context.

The first major movement for independence occurred in 1810 in Mexico, where creoles formed a provisional government and declared their independence from Spain. Similar movements quickly followed in other parts of Spanish America, including Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina. In many cases, these movements were led by creole elites who saw themselves as more capable than Spanish officials of governing their own territories.

However, not all creoles were united in their desire for independence. Some, particularly those who had closer ties to Spain, were hesitant to break away and preferred to maintain the status quo. Others were concerned that independence would lead to chaos and instability, and that the colonies would be unable to govern themselves effectively.

Ultimately, creole nationalism played a crucial role in the Spanish-American independence movements, providing a unifying force that brought together diverse groups of people under a common goal. Although independence was not achieved without significant struggles and setbacks, the desire for self-determination was strong enough to overcome the obstacles in its way. Today, many countries in Latin America celebrate their independence from Spain and the role that creole nationalism played in achieving it.

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