“Simón Bolivar: Una Síntesis del Libertador” – Bushnell, David.
In this article, David Bushnell gives a great overview of the life, accomplishments and goals of Simón Bolivar. Starting by describing the influence of Bolivar in the new politics, the author refers to Bolivar as the main influence for all the political movements. Even Though none of them captures the true vision of Bolivar, their basis lie fundamentally on what he did and stated. Following the overview, the article describes Bolivar’s education based on the illustration and political and social innovations. This lead him to get involved in the politics and support for the Nueva Granada, to write inspirational letters and attend military movements. One of the most significant and successful ones, the Batalla de Boyacá, was one of the factors that contributed to the foundation of the Republic of Colombia. In addition, it gave Bolivar the yearning for alliance and unity of the nations of Latin America.
The article will be the resource for our project to answer the question of what made Simón Bolivar an important figure and how he influence current politics and nations. Bolivar diagnosed most of the problems of Latin America, and made explicit the need of creating local and national institutions. Most importantly, he claimed the ideals of personal freedom and solidarity within Latin America, which were the motivation for what was to come.
Bushnell, D. (1991). Simón Bolivar: Una Síntesis del Libertador. Revista Credencial Histórica, Bogotá Colombia. April 16. Retrieved from: http://www.banrepcultural.org/node/32305
“La Independencia de la Nueva España y La Capitanía de Guatemala” -Urrego, Miguel Angel.
In this article, Urrego gives a chronology of the events that lead to Mexico and Central America Independence, as well as their importance for the social classes, religion and national symbolism. The author highlights the importance of Miguel Hidalgo and José Maria Morelos throughout the text. This article will help the project to answer the questions of how Hidalgo become an important figure and the ways he helped to shape today’s society.
The idea of independence began to become real with the announcements of Hidalgo and Costilla in Guanajuato 1810. Hidalgo gathered the indigenas, and made an appeal to the Virgen of Guadalupe while rejecting the neglecting government; finally he formed a successful army. He claimed freedom for slaves and attempted to form a provisional government. After he was executed, the rebellion did not stop, and Morelos took leadership of the insurgent. It was after his death that Mexico sign the act of independence of the Mexican Empire, with the negotiation of Guerrero and Iturbide.
Meanwhile Hidalgo was fighting for independence, the war in Nueva España lead to the lack of interest of Spain for the Capitanía General of Guatemala. Therefore, all the provinces of Central America inclined for the independence, even though some figures, like Agustin de Iturbide, pretended to create the Mexican Empire. The Capitaía defined later the Provincias Unidas de Centroámerica, excluding Mexico.
Urrego, M.A. (2010). La Independencia de la Nueva España y La Capitanía de Guatemala. Revista Credencial Histórica, Bogotá Colombia. June. Retrieved from: http://www.banrepcultural.org/blaavirtual/revistas/credencial/junio2010/nueva-espanha.htm