Friday's Readings, January 23

First off, I want to remind everyone that participation is the biggest component of your grade and that I am going to take it very seriously. These first few weeks are relaxed because of drop/add and because everyone is getting their feet wet. However, starting on Monday I will take attendance and I will start calling on those of you who do not get involved. We are finishing up the introductory part of the class that is surveying colonial themes, and pretty soon we will be looking at a lot of readings that will be much more interesting, relevant, and "modern." I expect everyone to get into these chapters and articles and come to class ready to discuss. As we transition into the core part of the class, it will be much more like a seminar and will include fewer lectures. In other words, if you are one of the those who has not said much yet, I would suggest that you read carefully, come to class prepared and with ideas, and participate. 

For Friday, we are going to begin by having a long discussion of the 18th-century, the Bourbon Reforms, and Pombal. Make sure you understand exactly what the Bourbon kings (Spain) and Pombal (Portugal) were trying to do with these measures and why. I would also suggest making a list of as many of these reforms as you can to look for commonalities. Remember, the Bourbon Reforms impacted Spanish America and the Pombaline Reforms dealt with Brazil, but they had similar influences and targeted the same areas in many cases, and we should study them in tandem. 

When you read Chasteen and Kinsbruner for Friday, try to get a sense of how the movement for independence began in Spanish America. Pay particular attention to how the Bourbon Reforms contributed to the process, but also note other grievances or shifts. It may be useful to keep a running list of causes, drawing on both Chasteen and Kinsbruner. Chasteen deals a bit with Brazilian independence, but I will handle that with a mini-lecture at the end of class.

Besides all of this, pay attention to the following: 

What were the causes of the economic crisis in Europe in the 18th-century?

Based on what Chasteen notes about Brazilian independence, what do you think accounted for the different course that independence took there, as compared to the Spanish-American wars?

Which demographic comprised the majority of rebels in Spanish America, and why?

According to Chasteen, what impact did Independence have on ethnic groups, women, and the lower classes?

In addition to several important causes for unrest that he lays out, Kinsbruner cites several episodes of rebellion and proto-revolt. What were these and why did they come about?

Finally, what broad saga does Kinsbruner argue was the most important impetus for colonial revolution? Based on what you've read, do you agree with him?

*Also, the syllabus says to read 7-38 in Kinsbruner; it should actually just be 9-38, or chapters 2 and 3.

See you on Friday. Be prepared to talk a lot.