2.4 Post-Independence Political Instability
4 min read•july 30, 2024
Latin America's post-independence era was marked by political turmoil. Newly independent nations struggled to establish stable governments due to colonial legacies, social inequalities, and competing interests among different groups.
This instability had far-reaching consequences. Frequent coups and civil wars hindered economic growth, perpetuated social divisions, and made it challenging to implement policies for education, healthcare, and social welfare. The rise of caudillos further complicated efforts to build democratic institutions.
Political Instability in Post-Independence Latin America
Factors Contributing to Instability
Top images from around the web for Factors Contributing to Instability
Popular protests, coups and information flows: Research behind the revolutions - The Journalist ... View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Latin American independence countries.PNG - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Americas independence map.PNG - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Popular protests, coups and information flows: Research behind the revolutions - The Journalist ... View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Latin American independence countries.PNG - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Factors Contributing to Instability
Popular protests, coups and information flows: Research behind the revolutions - The Journalist ... View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Latin American independence countries.PNG - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Americas independence map.PNG - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Popular protests, coups and information flows: Research behind the revolutions - The Journalist ... View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Latin American independence countries.PNG - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Lack of experience with self-government and democratic institutions made establishing stable political systems difficult for newly independent nations
- Legacy of colonial rule created deep social and economic inequalities that fueled political unrest
- Concentration of power in the hands of a small elite
- Marginalization of indigenous and mixed-race populations
- Regional rivalries and competing interests among different provinces and social groups challenged efforts to forge national unity and consensus
- Influence of foreign powers (United States, European nations) often undermined sovereignty and stability through interventions and economic domination
- Ideological divisions between conservatives and liberals led to frequent conflicts and civil wars
- Conservatives favored centralized power and maintenance of traditional social hierarchies
- Liberals advocated for federalism and greater individual rights
- Weakness of state institutions (military, bureaucracy) made maintaining order and implementing policies effectively difficult
- Economic instability contributed to social unrest and political turmoil
- Fluctuations in commodity prices
- Foreign debt
Impact on Development and Progress
- Frequent changes in government, coups, and civil wars created uncertain and unpredictable environment
- Discouraged long-term investments
- Hindered economic growth
- Political instability led to disruption of trade, destruction of infrastructure, and flight of capital, further undermining economic development
- Concentration of power and wealth in hands of small elite perpetuated social and economic inequalities and limited opportunities for upward mobility
- Lack of stable and accountable government institutions made implementing coherent policies and programs aimed at promoting education, health care, and social welfare difficult
- Political violence and repression often targeted marginalized groups (indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, the poor), exacerbating social tensions and hindering progress towards greater equality and inclusion
- Constant state of political upheaval and uncertainty made it challenging for civil society organizations and social movements to mobilize and advocate for change
- Faced threats, persecution, and co-optation by those in power
Caudillos and Regional Strongmen
Characteristics and Tactics
- Caudillos emerged as charismatic leaders who relied on personal loyalty, patronage networks, and military force to maintain power
- Often at the expense of democratic institutions and the rule of law
- Used populist appeals and promises of social reform to gain support from the masses while simultaneously protecting interests of landed elite and foreign investors
- Governed through combination of , clientelism, and personalism
- Concentrated power in their own hands and those of their inner circle
- Engaged in power struggles and conflicts with rival caudillos, leading to cycle of coups, rebellions, and civil wars that destabilized countries and hindered long-term political development
Impact on Inequality and Stability
- Rule of caudillos often perpetuated social and economic inequalities by relying on support of wealthy and powerful to maintain grip on power
- Some caudillos (Juan Manuel de Rosas in Argentina, Porfirio Díaz in Mexico) managed to establish relatively long periods of stability and economic growth
- Albeit at the cost of political freedom and social justice
Instability's Impact on Development
Economic Consequences
- Uncertain and unpredictable environment discouraged long-term investments and hindered economic growth
- Disruption of trade, destruction of infrastructure, and flight of capital further undermined economic development
- Concentration of power and wealth in hands of small elite perpetuated social and economic inequalities and limited opportunities for upward mobility
Social and Political Ramifications
- Lack of stable and accountable government institutions made implementing coherent policies and programs aimed at promoting education, health care, and social welfare difficult
- Political violence and repression often targeted marginalized groups (indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, the poor), exacerbating social tensions and hindering progress towards greater equality and inclusion
- Constant state of political upheaval and uncertainty made it challenging for civil society organizations and social movements to mobilize and advocate for change
- Faced threats, persecution, and co-optation by those in power
Challenges to Democratic Consolidation
Historical and Structural Obstacles
- Legacy of colonialism and concentration of power in hands of small elite created deep-rooted obstacles to development of representative and participatory democracy
- Influence of caudillos and regional strongmen undermined rule of law and separation of powers necessary for functioning democratic system
- Ideological polarization between conservatives and liberals, as well as competing regional interests, made achieving consensus and compromise needed for stable democratic governance difficult
Institutional Weaknesses and External Factors
- Weakness of state institutions (judiciary, electoral bodies, civil service) made ensuring free and fair elections, protecting individual rights, and holding those in power accountable challenging
- Economic inequalities and concentration of wealth in hands of few created political system that often prioritized interests of elite over those of majority
- Led to social unrest and challenges to democratic legitimacy
- External interventions by foreign powers (particularly the United States) often undermined sovereignty and self-determination, making it difficult to develop own democratic institutions and processes
- Lack of strong and independent media, as well as limitations on freedom of expression and association, hindered ability of citizens to participate fully in democratic process and hold leaders accountable
Key Terms to Review (17)
Agrarian Movements: Agrarian movements refer to collective actions by rural populations aimed at achieving land reform, improved agricultural practices, and social justice within agricultural systems. These movements often emerge in response to issues such as land tenure inequalities, exploitation by landowners, and the desire for greater economic and political rights among peasants and small farmers. They play a critical role in shaping rural politics and can significantly influence the broader political landscape.
Authoritarianism: Authoritarianism is a political system characterized by concentrated power in a single authority or small group, where individual freedoms are often restricted and political opposition is limited or suppressed. This form of governance can arise in various historical contexts and is often linked with instability, military influence, and challenges to democratic norms.
Caudillo: A caudillo is a military or political leader in Spanish-speaking countries, often characterized by authoritarian rule and personalist governance. This term became particularly relevant in the context of post-independence Latin America, where caudillos emerged as powerful figures amid the political chaos and instability that followed the region's struggle for independence from colonial rule. Their influence often stemmed from a combination of military prowess and charisma, allowing them to establish control over territories and factions during turbulent times.
Constitution of 1853: The Constitution of 1853 was a significant legal document that established a federal republic in Mexico, promoting civil liberties and limiting the powers of the church and military. This constitution was a response to the political instability following Mexico's independence, aiming to create a more balanced and democratic government while addressing social tensions and regional divisions.
Constitution of 1917: The Constitution of 1917 is the foundational legal document of Mexico that established a range of social, economic, and political rights in the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution. It sought to address issues of land reform, labor rights, and anti-clericalism while promoting national sovereignty and limiting foreign influence in the country. This constitution was a significant response to the political instability that characterized post-independence Mexico, aiming to create a more equitable and just society.
Juan Domingo Perón: Juan Domingo Perón was an Argentine military officer and politician who served as the President of Argentina for three terms, with his most notable period being from 1946 to 1955. His political ideology, known as Peronism, significantly influenced Argentina’s social and economic policies and contributed to the country's political landscape, addressing issues of labor rights and social justice while navigating a complex relationship with the military.
Land Reform: Land reform refers to the various policies and processes aimed at redistributing land ownership and altering land use to achieve greater social equity and agricultural efficiency. Often seen as a tool for social justice, land reform has played a crucial role in shaping political landscapes, addressing historical inequalities, and influencing economic development in different regions.
Liberalism: Liberalism is a political and economic philosophy that emphasizes individual rights, democracy, and free-market principles. It advocates for limited government intervention in personal and economic affairs, promoting civil liberties and equality before the law. In the context of Latin America, liberalism emerged as a powerful ideology during times of nation-building and political reform, often clashing with conservative forces that favored traditional hierarchies and centralized authority.
Mexican Revolution: The Mexican Revolution was a major armed struggle that took place from 1910 to 1920, aiming to overthrow the long-standing dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz and to address social, economic, and political inequalities in Mexico. This revolution significantly shaped the country's political landscape, leading to changes in governance, the emergence of populist movements, and a shift towards land reform and nationalism.
Military Dictatorship: A military dictatorship is a form of government in which the military controls the political power, often suspending civil rights and political freedoms, to maintain order and enforce its authority. This type of regime typically arises in contexts of political instability, where military leaders justify their rule as a means to restore order and promote national security, often leading to bureaucratic authoritarianism and influencing the trajectory of democratization efforts.
Neocolonialism: Neocolonialism refers to the practice of using economic, political, and cultural pressures to control or influence countries, particularly former colonies, without direct military or political intervention. It highlights the ongoing patterns of exploitation and dominance that can persist long after the formal end of colonial rule, often resulting in political instability and social unrest in affected nations.
Populism: Populism is a political approach that seeks to represent the interests and voices of ordinary people, often contrasting the elite or established institutions. It can take various forms and is typically characterized by charismatic leaders who claim to speak for the common citizen, often using rhetoric that emphasizes a divide between 'the people' and 'the elite.' This approach has significantly influenced various political movements and ideologies across different historical contexts.
Reformismo: Reformismo refers to a political approach focused on implementing gradual changes and reforms within existing political and social structures rather than seeking radical or revolutionary transformations. This concept emerged prominently in Latin America after independence, as countries faced political instability and sought to address social inequities, economic challenges, and the need for modernization through reform efforts.
Simón Bolívar: Simón Bolívar was a Venezuelan military and political leader who played a key role in the independence movements across Latin America during the early 19th century. Often referred to as 'El Libertador,' Bolívar's vision extended beyond mere independence, as he sought to create a unified Latin America free from colonial rule and influenced by Enlightenment ideals.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was the 1848 agreement that ended the Mexican-American War, resulting in Mexico ceding a vast portion of its northern territories to the United States. This treaty significantly altered the political landscape of North America, leading to issues of governance, identity, and territorial disputes that contributed to ongoing instability in both nations.
Treaty of Tordesillas: The Treaty of Tordesillas was a 1494 agreement between Spain and Portugal that divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe between the two countries along a meridian 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde islands. This treaty aimed to resolve disputes over newly claimed territories and established the basis for colonial expansion in Latin America, significantly impacting post-independence political stability as it set the stage for future territorial conflicts and the distribution of power in the region.
U.S. Intervention: U.S. intervention refers to the involvement of the United States in the domestic affairs of other countries, particularly in Latin America, often through military, political, or economic means. This intervention was often justified by the U.S. government as a way to promote stability, protect American interests, and counter perceived threats from communism or other ideologies during a time of political instability and social unrest in post-independence Latin American countries.