How did the social structure of Lain America colonies contribue to the independence movements?

Answer 1

The social structure of Latin America was hierarchical. When Napoleon conquered Spain, the various generals in Latin America started claiming territory for themselves. They would rather have the loot for themselves than send it back to Spain. This was actually quite easy. The local populations did not notice any difference. They kept the same laws and the same bureaucrats. Freedom from Spain did not mean the same thing that freedom from England meant for citizens of the United States. It simply meant a few names had changed.

When Spain and England drove Napoleon out of Spain, Spain sent armies back to Latin America. The Armies reconquered Mexico, Peru, and Bolivia. Spain did not really care about the other areas because they did not have silver or gold and were not worth that much to Spain.

Finally, in each area one general took charge. In South America, Bolivar destroyed the remaining Spanish Army in Bolivia. In Mexico the Spanish general Iturbidi, decided he would rather rule Mexico than take orders from Spain. He seized control. The citizens of Mexico did not notice any change. Top down control.

So the hierarchical social structure remained in place. The independence movements gained power when the leaders decided to stop sending money to Spain and keep it for themselves. The common people did not care who occupied the ruler's throne.