Question

For this question, you will imagine yourself in the role of two individuals looking back on the revolutions in Latin America. Write two letters reflecting on the revolutions: one as a member of the Creole class and one as a person of mixed-race, indigenous, or African background. Be sure each letter includes that individual's opinion about leaders, reforms, and outcomes. Each letter should use historical evidence from the course to support those opinions. (15 points)

Answer 1

Although this is a personal task that only you can complete properly, we can still provide some guidance to help you complete your work.

Member of the Creole class:

Dear friend,

Now that things have calmed down, I look back on the revolution that took place in Mexico, and I find that I have many reasons to be happy and hopeful. At the beginning, participating in the revolution did not seem like a good idea. We knew that this was going to alter our way of life, but we were not sure why. However, there is reason for hope now.

Thanks to the work of other Creoles such as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, we can now participate in the government of our own nation. Spaniards will no longer look down on us, and we can become a new ruling class in order to take this country towards modernity. I am excited about the role that I will play in this new system. I hope that you are willing to accompany us as well.

My best wishes,

Your friend

Member of an indigenous group:

Dear friend,

The revolution is finally over, and I am not sure what to think about this new situation. On the one hand, I am happy that the fighting is over, and I am eager to get back to normal. I know that without soldiers around, my community will be able to thrive and be happy once more.

However, I am also unsure about our future. We have been subjects of the Spanish crown for very long, and I am doubtful about being "Mexican." I believe that we are changing the Spaniards for the Creoles, but we will continue to be dominated and abused nonetheless. On the other hand, I am looking forward to having some of the rights that our leaders have promised, such as equality under the law and the end of slavery.

Overall, I am confused about the revolution, and unsure about whether it should matter to us. But I will try to remain hopeful.

My best wishes,

Your friend