Glossary

2.1 Political Instability and Caudillismo

4 min read•august 6, 2024

After independence, Latin America faced political instability as caudillos rose to power. These charismatic military strongmen ruled through force and patronage, centralizing authority around themselves. Their personalist style of governance hindered the development of stable democratic institutions.

The era was marked by ideological conflicts between centralists and federalists, leading to frequent civil wars. Caudillos and their private armies were key players in these power struggles. This constant turmoil made it difficult to establish lasting constitutions or democratic norms in the newly independent nations.

Caudillismo and Personalist Rule

Emergence of Caudillos as Dominant Political Figures

Top images from around the web for Emergence of Caudillos as Dominant Political Figures

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Emergence of Caudillos as Dominant Political Figures

1 of 3
  • developed as a system of personalist rule in Latin America following independence
  • Caudillos were charismatic military strongmen who gained power through force or popularity
  • Relied on to maintain support
    • Caudillos provided protection and favors to loyal followers (clients)
    • Clients offered political backing, military service, and other support in return

Characteristics and Governing Style of Caudillos

  • Caudillos often had a military background and projected a macho, authoritarian image
  • Centralized power around themselves and ruled in a personalist fashion
    • Made decisions unilaterally with little constraint on their authority
    • Example caudillos include in Argentina and in Mexico
  • Despite authoritarian tendencies, many caudillos portrayed themselves as defenders of the people
    • Claimed to protect the interests of the masses against elite domination
    • Populist rhetoric helped build broad bases of support, especially among lower classes

Impact of Caudillismo on Political Development

  • Caudillismo hindered the development of stable democratic institutions
    • Power was concentrated in the hands of individual strongmen rather than laws or constitutions
    • Transitions of power were often violent, occurring through coups or civil wars
  • Patron-client nature of caudillo rule encouraged corruption and stunted economic growth
    • Caudillos rewarded loyal followers with government positions and economic privileges
    • Enriched themselves and their inner circle at the expense of the nation as a whole
  • Legacy of caudillismo contributed to cycles of instability and in Latin America

Political Factions and Conflict

Ideological Divisions between Centralists and Federalists

  • Centralists favored a strong national government with power concentrated in the capital
    • Believed centralization was necessary to maintain order and promote economic development
    • Drew support primarily from conservative elites and the military
  • Federalists advocated for greater regional autonomy and a more decentralized political system
    • Wanted power devolved to state/provincial governments to prevent tyranny
    • Appealed to liberals, regional elites, and those outside the capital city

Prevalence of Civil Wars and Conflict

  • Disputes between centralists and federalists frequently erupted into civil wars
    • Factions took up arms to seize control of the government and impose their vision
    • Examples include the Argentine Civil Wars and the Peruvian of 1843-1844
  • Caudillos and their private armies were key protagonists in these conflicts
    • Mobilized supporters to fight against rival factions and caudillos
    • Used violence as a means to gain or maintain power

Obstacles to Constitutional Stability

  • Frequent civil wars and factional disputes undermined constitutional governance
    • Made it difficult to establish enduring democratic norms and institutions
    • Power of caudillos overshadowed the authority of constitutions and laws
  • Constitutions were regularly discarded or rewritten to suit the interests of victorious factions
    • New constitutions enacted after each transfer of power
    • High turnover prevented any constitution from gaining legitimacy or longevity

Notable Caudillos

Juan Manuel de Rosas in Argentina

  • Rosas ruled as governor of Buenos Aires and dominated Argentine politics from 1829-1852
  • Established a repressive dictatorship backed by the landed elite and gauchos
    • Used violence and intimidation to crush political opposition
    • Represented the Federalist faction but centralized power in Buenos Aires
  • Implemented protectionist economic policies and expanded the frontier against indigenous groups

Antonio López de Santa Anna in Mexico

  • Santa Anna was a leading caudillo who served as president of Mexico on multiple occasions
    • First came to power in 1833 after overthrowing the government of Anastasio Bustamante
    • Went on to rule eleven non-consecutive times between 1833 and 1855
  • Shifted between Federalist and Centralist allegiances to suit his own interests
    • Declared himself a Federalist when it was expedient but later dissolved the federal system entirely
    • Centralized power and ruled as a dictator during much of his time in office
  • Mismanaged the Texas Revolt and Mexican-American War, losing large portions of territory

Key Terms to Review (16)

Antonio López de Santa Anna: Antonio López de Santa Anna was a Mexican general and politician who played a crucial role in Mexican history during the 19th century, serving multiple terms as president. His leadership was marked by dramatic shifts between authoritarian rule and attempts at reform, reflecting the broader struggle between conservative and liberal forces in Mexico. Santa Anna's actions significantly influenced the course of Mexico’s political instability and the consequences of liberal reforms during his time.
Authoritarianism: Authoritarianism is a political system characterized by the concentration of power in a single authority or a small group, often limiting political freedoms and civil liberties. In such regimes, political opposition is typically suppressed, and there is little to no public participation in the political process. This system often emerges during times of political instability, economic turmoil, or social unrest, leading to military regimes or strongman leaders who promise order and security.
Caudillismo: Caudillismo refers to the political system in Latin America characterized by the rule of strong regional leaders, known as caudillos, who often gained power through military force or popular support. These leaders were typically charismatic figures who exercised personalist rule, often bypassing traditional political structures and institutions, which led to instability and a lack of consistent governance. This system emerged in the context of post-colonial struggles and was significantly influenced by the failures of liberal reforms and ongoing political turmoil.
Centralism: Centralism is a political system where power and authority are concentrated in a central governing body, often at the expense of local or regional autonomy. This approach tends to favor uniform policies and decisions made by a central authority rather than allowing for diverse local governance, leading to political tensions, especially in regions with varied interests and identities.
Civil War: A civil war is a conflict between factions or regions within the same country, often characterized by organized military actions and political disputes. This type of war can stem from deep-seated social, economic, or political divisions and can lead to significant changes in governance or territorial boundaries. In many Latin American nations, civil wars emerged as a response to power struggles, social inequalities, and the challenge of centralized authority.
Cuban Revolution: The Cuban Revolution was a successful armed revolt led by Fidel Castro and his revolutionary forces against the authoritarian regime of Fulgencio Batista from 1953 to 1959. This pivotal event significantly transformed Cuba's political landscape, establishing a socialist state and impacting U.S.-Cuban relations for decades.
Dependency Theory: Dependency theory is an economic and sociological concept that argues that the economic development of countries is hindered by their dependence on more developed nations. It suggests that the relationship between wealthy and poor nations creates a cycle of dependency, where resources flow from the periphery (underdeveloped countries) to the core (developed countries), leading to underdevelopment in the periphery and reinforcing global inequalities.
Elite Theory: Elite theory is a political and sociological perspective that asserts a small group of elites holds the majority of power and influence in society, often at the expense of the broader population. This theory suggests that these elites, who are typically from privileged backgrounds, shape political decisions and maintain control over resources, leading to political instability and the rise of caudillos as a response to power struggles.
Federalism: Federalism is a political system where power is divided between a central government and various regional or state governments. This division allows for both local governance and national oversight, creating a balance that aims to accommodate diverse interests within a unified state. In many Latin American countries, federalism has been a response to regional differences and demands for local autonomy, often influencing the dynamics of political instability and the rise of caudillos.
Imperialism: Imperialism is the policy or ideology where a country extends its power and influence over other nations or territories, often through military force, political domination, or economic control. This concept not only involves direct territorial acquisition but also includes indirect means of exerting influence, such as economic exploitation and cultural assimilation. It plays a significant role in shaping political landscapes, particularly in regions like Latin America during the 20th century, where foreign powers intervened to protect their interests and curb revolutionary movements.
Juan Manuel de Rosas: Juan Manuel de Rosas was an Argentine leader and politician who served as governor of Buenos Aires Province multiple times during the early to mid-19th century. His rule is characterized by a strong central authority, support for federalist policies, and the use of authoritarian tactics, making him a significant figure in Argentina's political instability and the rise of caudillismo.
Militarism: Militarism refers to the belief in building up strong armed forces to prepare for war and the influence that military leaders and ideas have on government policy. In Latin America, militarism is often intertwined with political instability and caudillismo, where military leaders emerge as powerful political figures during times of upheaval. This phenomenon can lead to a cycle of violence and authoritarian rule, as militaristic attitudes promote the use of force over democratic processes.
Neocolonialism: Neocolonialism refers to the practice where a powerful country uses economic, political, and cultural pressures to control or influence less powerful countries, often former colonies, without direct military or political domination. This term captures the complex dynamics of power where influence is exerted through economic means like trade agreements, foreign investments, and loans, rather than through outright colonization. It highlights how the legacies of colonialism continue to shape global relationships, especially in Latin America.
Patron-client relationships: Patron-client relationships are social bonds between individuals in which a patron provides resources and protection to a client, who in return offers loyalty and support. This dynamic often reflects deeper social hierarchies and can play a critical role in the political landscape, especially in contexts marked by instability and the presence of caudillos, who rely on such networks for power and control.
Populism: Populism is a political approach that seeks to represent the interests and voice of ordinary people, often contrasting them against a perceived elite or establishment. This movement often emphasizes the idea of a 'true' or 'pure' populace that needs to be defended from corrupt elites, frequently using charismatic leaders to mobilize support. Populism can manifest in both left-wing and right-wing forms and is often characterized by its anti-establishment rhetoric and calls for reform.
Social Upheaval: Social upheaval refers to significant and often sudden changes in the social order, typically resulting in widespread disruption and transformation of societal norms and structures. This term is crucial in understanding the dynamics of various movements and reforms, particularly as societies grapple with issues of inequality, political power, and cultural identity. Such upheavals often arise from tensions between different social classes or groups and can lead to revolutions, reforms, or shifts in governance.
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
Back
Practice QuizGlossary
Practice QuizGlossary
Next guide