The Ambiguous Position of Latin American States in the Late 19th Century

Overview

This study explores the complex relationship between Latin American states and both Europe and the United States during the late 19th century. Latin America, while culturally and economically intertwined with Europe, found itself politically constrained to avoid direct entanglement. This ambiguity highlighted significant internal divisions within these nations regarding their identity and allegiances.

Context

In the latter part of the 19th century, Latin American countries faced a unique set of challenges and opportunities as they navigated the shifting global landscape. The period was marked by significant economic and cultural ties with Europe, but also by political pressures that dictated caution in forming direct alliances or dependencies. Colonial legacies continued to shape social structures and economic policies, even as new nations sought independence from European control. Meanwhile, the rise of the United States as a regional power further complicated Latin American foreign policy decisions.

Timeline

• 1860s: The end of the Second Mexican Empire marks a significant shift towards national sovereignty in Mexico.
• 1870: The Berlin Conference establishes new rules for European colonial expansion, impacting Latin America’s strategic positioning.
• 1890s: The Spanish-American War leads to U.S. dominance over Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Philippines.
• 1898: The Treaty of Paris formalizes U.S. control over territories in the Caribbean and Pacific.
• 1899: U.S. President William McKinley introduces the “Big Stick” diplomacy policy towards Latin America.
• 1904: Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine asserts U.S. intervention rights in Latin American affairs.
• 1912: The United States begins direct military interventions in Nicaragua and Haiti, signaling a new phase of U.S. influence.

Key Terms and Concepts

Colonial Legacy: Refers to the lasting impact of colonial rule on social structures, economic policies, and cultural identities within newly independent nations.

European Civilization: A term used by Europeans to denote those cultures considered part of Western civilization, often excluding indigenous populations in favor of European-descended elites.

White Man’s Burden: The belief among some Europeans that it was their moral duty to civilize and govern non-European peoples, often leading to paternalistic policies abroad.

Latin American States: Refers collectively to the independent nations of Central and South America, which shared a common history rooted in Spanish or Portuguese colonization but were diverse in culture, economy, and politics.

Urban Literate Elite: The educated middle class within Latin American societies who, despite their European heritage and cultural ties, often held positions of power and influence over indigenous and Afro-descended populations.

National Sovereignty: The principle that a state has the authority to govern itself without external interference, particularly relevant as Latin American nations sought independence from colonial powers.

Key Figures and Groups

Simón Bolívar (1783–1830): A Venezuelan military leader who played a pivotal role in South America’s struggle for independence from Spain. His vision of Gran Colombia influenced subsequent political movements aiming at national unity and sovereignty.

José Martí (1853-1895): An influential Cuban writer, poet, and revolutionary figure advocating for Cuban independence. He promoted ideas about Latin American identity that transcended colonial-era divisions.

United States: As a rising power in the Western Hemisphere, it increasingly exerted influence over its neighbors through economic means and direct military intervention, challenging traditional European dominance.

Mechanisms and Processes

• Colonial Legacy -> Social Hierarchies: The social structures established during colonial times persisted into independence, creating hierarchies that favored European-descended elites.
  • Urban Literate Elite (UE) -> Economic Dominance: UE controlled significant economic resources and maintained power through control of land, trade, and finance.
• European Civilization -> Cultural Ties: Latin American nations maintained cultural ties with Europe, often seeking to emulate Western models in governance and social norms.
  • National Sovereignty -> Political Caution: Despite these ties, Latin American states practiced political caution to avoid entanglement with European powers, given the risks of intervention or dependency.

Deep Background

The complex dynamics between Latin American nations and their former colonial overlords were shaped by a long history of economic exploitation, cultural assimilation, and ongoing imperial rivalry. Economic ties established during colonial rule continued into independence, with many Latin American economies reliant on trade networks linked to Europe. At the same time, the desire for national sovereignty clashed with persistent European influence, leading to ambivalence in foreign policy. The rise of the United States as a regional power further complicated these dynamics, pushing Latin American states towards cautious strategies aimed at maintaining autonomy while avoiding direct entanglements.

Explanation and Importance

Latin American nations found themselves caught between their cultural ties to Europe and their need for political independence from colonial-era influences. This ambiguity was reflected in internal divisions within each nation regarding identity and allegiances. While elites often identified with European civilization, the majority of populations were indigenous or Afro-descended, leading to significant social tensions. The geopolitical shifts towards U.S. dominance further strained Latin American foreign policies, as they navigated between traditional European allies and a rising superpower in their backyard.

Comparative Insight

Comparing this period with early 20th-century Asia reveals similar patterns of colonial legacies and economic dependencies influencing national identities and foreign relations. Both regions experienced the tension between cultural ties to Western civilization and the push for sovereignty, leading to complex political dynamics that shaped their modern development.

Extended Analysis

Identity Formation: The process by which Latin American nations sought to define themselves in relation to both European and U.S. influences was crucial. This involved balancing traditional cultural ties with the need for national independence.

• Economic Dependency: Many Latin American economies remained heavily reliant on exports to Europe, limiting their ability to pursue independent economic policies without risking political or military retaliation from colonial powers.
• Political Caution: The practice of avoiding direct entanglements with European powers was a strategic necessity given past interventions and ongoing imperial rivalries. This caution also extended to U.S. relations as Latin American nations sought to maintain autonomy.

Quiz

Open Thinking Questions

• How did the concept of “European Civilization” shape social hierarchies in Latin America during this period?
• What were some ways that Latin American nations attempted to maintain national sovereignty while maintaining economic ties with Europe?

Conclusion

The late 19th century marked a critical phase for Latin American states as they navigated complex relationships with both European and U.S. powers. The balancing act between cultural ties and political independence defined their foreign policies, reflecting broader trends in global imperialism and nationalism that shaped the modern world order.