While, reading chapter two Caudillos versus the National State, and the document The Slaughter House, I found it interesting how they discussed power, how it was given to the elites in various regions, and how they implemented their authority drastically altered the societies being controlled. The views on control for a region differ depending on the location of a person. For example, when Santa Anna’s leg was stolen by the United States, Americans viewed it as “a prize to symbolize a region that lacks the capacity to control itself ”. While, it stated that Mexicans viewed the leg display as “national tragedy and reminder of how cruel their northern neighbors are”. This shows how the region in which they grew up often influences a person’s opinion on various types of power and control. In the Americas ethnic and cultural divides were vast, as the emperor and Catholic Church were the social glue of colonial rule. The church ministered the poor and shaped ceremonial life across colonies, it appears that this lead to various uprisings and rebellions. This became visible in the document the Slaughter House by Esteban Echeverria. Composed in the 1830’s during the Christian era, it is evident that Church has great influence over the people. The document describes Argentina as a slaughterhouse, killing cattle, a representation of the people; this was preciously the fault of the church. As, people begin to rebel it appears that the power of the church is becoming weak. In my opinion it is possible that the people controlled by the state, are fed up with the harsh control implemented upon them. The statement, “ A time may come when it is forbidden to breathe fresh air, take a walk or have a conversation with a friend” is an indication of the frustration of the people. As, regulations were constructed not out of legitimacy but for the purpose of pure authority. This is apparent when the church banned the consumption of meat, under the “assumption” the devil can enter the body through it. In my opinion if the church believed their assumption was legitimate, they would not have exempted specific people from this order. In this document I found the usage of symbolism and imagery to be profound, in relation to the idea of the “bull”. The connection between power and the church was highly detectable during these times.

While reading chapter one of the Dawson textbook; Independence Narratives, Past and Present, I found that it mainly described the conflicts between an upper class and a lower class. Over time the people, classified under such titles changed but the problems still remained. It the opening paragraph it stated that “we need to go beyond lines drawn on a map to understand boundaries”. This statement caught my attention; in history people have made assumptions that the people residing within a certain border must all share a number of commonalties. Within one border it may contain a variety of languages, culture, values, and traditions. In the case of Latin America, assumptions that each community was identical, was incorrect. Each country has its own independence narratives. I was fascinated by the slave revolt in Haiti during 1791, which transformed into a civil war, then colonial war. Resulting in the Independence of Haiti, the first republic in the Americas to ban slavery. While, modern day Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world. I find it interesting that a country the seriously impacted the elimination of slavery, and the beginning of freedom is now ruled by absolute corruption. It is possible that once Haiti established its own form of government, it did not develop as expected. It was long after, when other nations began establishing their independent, such as Brazil in 1822. Liberalism in Latin America was expanding in popularity among rebels or rebellious groups. Equality and Freedom were often associated with liberalism, although it was focused on hierarchy, favoring the males of Spanish decent. This was the commencement of the liberal ideas that have formed our modern world. The last section of the chapter discussed Simon Bolivar, and his role in leading victorious rebel armies across the Andes. He had a dream that Latin America would stand united in strength, prosperity, freedom, and distinct from Spanish rulers. He was known for opposing slavery, and proposing distribution of land to those who fought for independence. His goals were inspirational, in my opinion if had the opportunity rule over Venezuela, the country in which his legacy lives on in would be in a completely different political situation. If his views were accurately implemented, corruption would be less present in South America specifically. Although, in 1998 the president of Venezuela, Chavez laid claim to Bolivar’s legacy his attempts to bring to those dreams to life were not successful.

The Casta paintings represented a wide array of racial mixtures derived from the offspring of unions between Spaniards and Indians-mestizos, Blacks-mulattos, and Blacks and Indians-zambos. These paintings received numerous documented critiques throughout centuries. It appears that in the earlier centuries, the paintings were vastly criticized. Particularly in 1746, Dr. Andres Arce y Miranda found that the casta paintings were offensive due to their depictions of racial mixtures. While, throughout the eighteenth century demand for the paintings drastically increased. Ignoring the criticized views of Dr. Andres Arce y Miranda. The difference of opinions between centuries could suggest that during the time of Andres Arce y Miranda racial mixtures, and children of mixed blood were viewed as inferior. Possibly he deemed that people of a subordinate status were not to be painted or assumed a position of value. The later century alludes that the paintings achieved a level of popularity were they became inaccessible to the average majority. Being displayed in official public spaces, such as museums, universities, high-ranking officials’ residences, and palaces. An, indication that only the wealthy had access to posses the Casta Paintings in the later centuries. I find it interesting that they began, unwanted due to their “offensive” depiction of inter-racial relationships, an indication that Dr. Andres Arce y Miranda may of been racist. Later developing into a masterpiece viewed by countless people.

The Lieutenant Nun is an extensive journey that raised several questions for me while reading it. Firstly, I found it interesting that she only lived at home with her family until the age of four, were she was then sent away to become a nun. I was curious as to if it is possible that she did not develop strong relationships with her mother or father? As, when she encounters them later on in her new identity she describes no desire to return to neither her family nor the life she had left. At first I was shocked to read that after seeing her father searching for her, it did not leave her yearning to reveal herself to him. Then it occurred that possibly there relationship was weak, and she felt no attachment to him. Growing up with your parents until the age of four would leave a minimal emotional connection. It may be difficult to image that the reason she was put into the convent, and her unwanted situation was because of her parents. It is possible that she may have developed resentment towards both her mother and father. This would explain why seeing/interacting with her family members once again would not spark the desire to return home. Monja Alferez experiences numerous remarkable moments while adopting new forms of identity.

The voyage of Christopher Columbus was an extensive journey leading way to the development of a new world. In connection to his voyage was the Guaman Poma, The First New Chronicle. These historical events mark a significant change to the known world, the first interactions between Latin Americas and Europeans. While, reading Christopher Columbus’s journey I found it fascinating that he was so intrigued by the abundant source of nature on the islands. As, it was evident in the majority of his journal entries that he was captivated, by the green trees, streams, and various types of fruit. I was curious at to Spain’s landscape and if this type of scenery was new to him? It caught my attention while reading this journal that Columbus stated the people he came across had little knowledge of fighting. This was noticeable when Columbus encountered villages, were the people would flee their homes once they spotted anything unknown, instead of fighting for their village. Currently, when people think of Latin America corruption, and violence are words that often cross their minds. Is this a possible indication that the discovery of the new world, and the integration of Europeans brought more serious forms of aggression into Latin America? Columbus mentioned a goal of his was to convert the people of the new islands he’d discovered to Christianity, as he suspected they had no religion. Similar to the voyage of Columbus, the First New Chronicle stated that a new land had been found. This land was referred to as the Indies, located in the highest altitude. The Spaniards appeared to have only the concern of retrieving gold and silver from the new land. This caused me to wonder if greed was common during this age in Europe. Comparable to Columbus their curiosity of the land brought them to embark on the exploration, and the desire to convert its people to Christianity. Although, the difference I found was that Columbus wanted the villagers to trust him, therefore he did not inflict harm upon the people. While, in the Indies of Peru the Incas refused Christianity, worshiping no one but the sun. This resulted in a slaughter of the Indians, leaving their ruler prisoner in the city of Caxamarca. I am curious as to it if Columbus attempted to influence the villager’s religion would it of ended in a similar violent situation, to that in the Indies?

Hi, my name is Anna Lake-Voros. I am in my first year at the University of British Columbia, in the Faculty of Arts. I moved here this summer from Thunder Bay, Ontario. I am originally from Toronto, Ontario. Although, I spent only a small portion of my childhood in Toronto. Early on as a child my family relocated to Thunder Bay. My passion is dance I have been participating in competitive dancing since the age of four. As well, travel is another passion of mine. Recently I visited the countries Belize, Honduras, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. I can honestly say my favourite place being Roatan, Honduras. Due to the island’s astonishing beauty, unique culture, and welcoming people. In the near future I have intentions to spend more time exploring the many wonders of the world. I am extremely excited to be starting the next chapter of my life at UBC.