A Short Evaluation of the Two Definitions of Latin America

The two websites that were considered for this analysis are Wikipedia and Britannica. According to Wikipedia, Latin America is a group of countries located in the Western Hemisphere, and the primary languages spoken in these regions are Portuguese, Spanish, and French. Therefore, this source considers the region’s geography, history, culture, and the performance of critical sectors like education, religion, and agriculture.

The second source considered for this analysis is Britannica. The website’s definition of Latin America also considers the region’s geography, the people’s cultural heritage, and their diverse historical practices. This second definition also acknowledges the region’s rich diversity by detailing the different cultural ethnicities available (Kittleson et al.). Therefore, Britannica’s definition of Latin America is comprehensive as it thoroughly delineates the region’s historical, cultural, and political evolution over time.

Nonetheless, Britannica is the most authentic source. Unlike Britannica, Wikipedia is primarily a collaborative platform, as anyone can contribute to its content. While the provided information is valuable, its accuracy is questionable. Conversely, Britannica is authoritative and reputable. The website is well established and respected as it serves as an encyclopedia with entries from subject matter experts and scholars. Hence, the provided definition is more reliable, trustworthy, and authentic.

A Short Critical Reflection

“120 Million Children in the Eye of the Hurricane” introduces Eduardo Galeano’s book, “Open Veins of Latin America.”This introduction is instrumental to understanding the history of Latin America and its subsequent exploitation by the United States and Europe. Hence, Latin America suffered dependency as colonial exploitation subjected it to poverty and resource scarcity.

Among the agreeable key points delineated in the article is Latin America’s historical exploitation. Ideally, the region has suffered consistent exploitation by powerful nations such as the United States (Galeano 2). However, some arguments provided by Galeano are disagreeable. The author emphasizes the role of external factors in Latin America’s predicament while overlooking the effect of internal ones such as domestic policies and governance.

Galeano’s argument is relevant to Canada and other regions. Canada, just like the United States and Europe, has a complex relationship with Latin America. Different regions of the world, such as Africa, have also suffered poverty and social inequality owing to colonial influence. Therefore, examining the issues in this introduction is insightful for understanding broader economic issues affecting nations.

Overall, “120 Million Children in the Eye of the Hurricane” is instrumental to understanding Latin America’s historical exploitation and subsequent dependency. While the chapter argues the need to unshackle from economic independence through revolutions, other strategies, such as economic reform and governance, are most suitable. However, the chapter is relevant to understanding the relationship between colonialism and economic prosperity.

Part B: Essay

Question 4

The “Reply of a South American to a Gentleman of this Island [Jamaica]” was written by Simon Bolivar in 1815. The personality was a Latin American soldier and statesman who articulated the need for Latin American unity and a republican government through his letter. Therefore, Simon Bolivar’s letter reveals his undying faith in the need for Latin American independence despite the numerous defeats he and his fellow patriots had suffered. Thus, Simon Bolivar’s letter critiqued Spanish colonialism and demonstrated his yearning for a better future.

Bolivar’s letter emphasizes the necessity for independence. A key argument in the letter is the need for the various South American colonies to attain their freedom from Spanish rule. He portrays Spain as a Tyranny by detailing how it denied Americans their liberty (Brown University Library). He further asserts that the people of South America have suffered numerous injustices and oppression under the Spanish crown to advocate the need for independence. Therefore, Bolivar’s key argument is the Spanish people should be liberated from oppression to facilitate their progress and development.

Unity and cooperation also constitute a crucial facet of Bolivar’s letter. Bolivar restates the need for South American nations to be united to succeed in their quest for independence. Bolivar assumed that since the various South American countries shared a common origin, religion, language, and customs, consolidating into a single government would enable them to form a confederation (Brown University Library). Operating under a confederation would foster cooperation and promote regional stability in South America. Thus, South American nations could only attain their freedom through unity.

Bolivar’s letter also advocates for the formation of a republican government. According to Bolivar, South American nations should strive for republican forms of government once they become independent states. His argument is entrenched on the premise that monarchies hamper liberty and equality and that republics’ are more attuned to the needs of the people (Crespo 90). Therefore, he proposed the establishment of a constitutional republic throughout the region. He also envisioned a government replicating the Great Britain model, characteristic of an upper and lower house and a lifetime president.

Besides advising South American states, Bolivar’s letter contends against foreign intervention. Bolivar expresses his dissatisfaction with foreign powers, such as the European nations, who interfere with the affairs of newly independent states. Bolivar then details the struggles of Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and Cuba, suffering significantly from foreign influence (Brown University Library). Thus, Bolivar’s letter contends against foreign interference as it re-establishes colonial rule and exposes South America to external domination.

Why this Document is Important to the formation of Modern Nations

The content of Bolivar’s letter is integral to the formation of modern nations as it is the basis of their ideological foundation. Modern nations reference the letter to mobilize independent movements, as it effectively articulates the need for liberation and self-determination. The letter’s insights are instrumental to nations seeking to emancipate from foreign interference. Bolivar’s ideas also laid the foundation for newly independent nations seeking guidance in governance matters. Therefore, Bolivar has contributed significantly to modern nations’ political systems and constitutions.

Bolivar’s letter is also integral to the formation of modern nations as it forms the basis of their regional unity. In his letter, Bolivar envisioned a United Latin America as this would form the basis of a confederation (Britannica). Consequently, many modern nations embraced Bolivar’s sentiments and vision for a confederation, resulting in regional unity and cooperation. Hence, modern nations embraced this concept by forming the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States (CELAC). While Bolivar’s dream of realizing a united South America was not fully achieved, his advocacy for regional integration is embraced and practiced by modern nations.

Simon Bolivar’s assumption that England would support his cause was diplomatically motivated and not a naïve thought. The prevailing historical context and Bolivar’s strategic considerations at the time motivated this assumption. Ideally, the complex geopolitical landscape of the 19th century caused Bolivar to imagine he could engage England to support South America’s cause. Specifically, Britain and other European powers were constantly involved in conflicts. Thus, Bolivar assumed that the former would agree to his preposition to leverage against their other enemies.

Pragmatism also formed the basis for Bolivar’s assumption. Bolivar recognized the need for allies to catapult South America to their independence. He likely expected partial military, diplomatic, and financial support from England as this was the only way to grow the region’s strength. Furthermore, Bolivar desired that the region would emulate England’s system of governance and submit under its guidance (Britannica). England would also offer South America the needed protection against its adversaries. Thus, Bolivar assumed that England would willingly support its cause as its system of governance and policies aligned with his vision for South America.

Overall, Bolivar’s letter articulated the need for Latin American unity and a republican system of governance. However, Bolivar’s hope that the British would support South America’s cause did not materialize. The assumption that the British would be supportive was not a naïve thought, as diplomatic maneuvering and alliances were common tactics in the 19th century. Therefore, Bolivar’s ambitions demonstrate his strategic thinking and determination to pursue avenues to facilitate South America’s independence.

Works Cited

Britannica. “Letter from Jamaica: work by Bolivar.” 2023. Web. 27^th September, 2023. Accessed at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Letter-from-Jamaica

Brown University Library. Modern Latin America web supplement for 8^th edition. Nd. Web. 27^th September, 2023. Accessed at: https://library.brown.edu/create/modernlatinamerica/chapters/chapter-2-the-colonial-foundations/primary-documents-with-accompanying-discussion-questions/document-2-simon-bolivar-letter-from-jamaica-september-6-1815/

Crespo, Maria Victoria. “The Concept and Politics of Tyranny and Dictatorship in the Spanish American Revolutions of 1810.” Redescriptions: Political Thought, Conceptual History and Feminist Theory, vol. 10, no. 1, 2006, pp. 87-114.

Galeano, Eduardo. “Introduction: 120 Million Children in the Eye of the Hurricane.” Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent. NewYork: Monthly Review Press, 1997.

Kittleson, Roger, James Lockhart and David Bushnell. “History of Latin America.” September 19^th 2023. Web. 27^th September 2023. Accessed at: https://www.britannica.com/place/Latin-America

Wikipedia. “Latin America”. 25^th September 2023. Web. 27^th September 2023. Accessed at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin_America