Independence is usually the result of a revolution. And by their nature, revolutions define a change in the Social, Economic and political structure of a societal or way of thinking. The Independence era occurred in Latin America roughly between the years 1808 and 1826 . Latin countries had been dominated by European countries and for the most part under the influence of the Spanish and Portuguese, fought and won their independence in a series of bloody battles, culminating in Latin American independence. Like the American Revolution, one single event didn't define Latino Independence.
The first sign of decline for the European oppressors was the rise of Napoleon following the French revolution. In 1807, Napoleon invaded Spain and Portugal with his army. This invasion scattered the rulers, and left the government in disarray. With no solid ruling power in the homeland, the question of who ruled was up in the air, and the colonists saw their chance at revolution. It should be noted that the there was a deep-rooted history of colonial discontent with empire. They desired a government where they could have have the primary say, and one that would allow a free market economy flourish.
After a series of battles, the final stage of revolution was in Mexico where there was more of a social revolution, which frustrated the rulers in Spain enough to grant independence in 1826. Thus, most of the Spanish empire was demolished, What had been a flourishing adventure for the Spanish turned into ruins, and ultimately defeat .
The Story of Camila O'Gorman (1828-1848)
I'm writing this week about Camila O'Gorman. Her story struck me as interesting in that she was atypical of the women found living in 19th century Argentina. Her execution, along with her clandestine lover during the last stages of her pregnancy caused an uproar and contributed to the political demise of then Argentine dictator Juan Manuel de Rosas. Her crime seems to have had been to fall in love a bit too much - at the wrong time and in the worst place. Her murder is documented as one of the most atrocious and unlawful acts in a century where murders were commonplace and laws were disregarded by the government that her death helped end.
Her Story
At the time of her execution, Camila O'Gorman was a 20 year old woman who was born into high status in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In her late teens she met Father Ladislao Gutiérrez, a priest who had attended seminary with her brother. The O'Gorman family was very powerful and two of her brothers had respectable careers - one a police officer and the other a priest. In her family, Camila was considered to be a pillar of high society and in social circles was very active.
In 1847 nineteen yr old Camila and Fr. Gutiérrez eloped on horseback and found refuge in the nearby Corrientes Province, which was under the control of a warlord who was hostile to her family home's regime of Juan Manuel de Rosas. When when it was discovered that she was missing,it was suggested that she had been kidnapped. They were were tracked down, found and arrested by an Irish priest, Fr. Michael Gannon, who suggested to Camila that she had been kidnapped. Camila would not have any of that and claimed that indeed she was the one who instigated the affair. Subsquently, they were both arrested and put in prison.
Camila's father, Adolfo O'Gorman, a very strict man obsessed with religion, morality and honor had become enraged by how the family name had been dragged through the mud by Camila's blatant indiscretion. Her father and the Rosas were good friend - and Camilia best friend with their daughter. In spite of that (or becasue of it) and the desperate pleas of his family, he writes to Rosas and he demands the death penalty for his daughter.
On the orders of Governor Rosas, Camila O'Gorman, 8 months pregnant, and Fr. Gutiérrez were executed by a firing squad in August of 1848 in the prison town of Santos Lugares de Rosas. On the morning of her execution, according to Rosas’ mandate and the laws of the church, Father Castellanos, the prison chaplain, visits Camila’s cell to baptise the baby. The ritual consisted of making the mother drink holy water and sprinkle a handful of ashes on her head.
A movie has also been made - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camila_(film) based on the story of the 19th-century Argentine socialite Camila O'Gorman. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Of course, this whole story could make you think about the Latino culture in general as it existed in that day and you would have to wonder about the separation of church and state (if any existed), and if Camilla was doing this out of spite or was she really in love? And what about the role of woman during that time frame in history?
Sources
http://www.educoas.org/Portal/bdigital/contenido/interamer/BkIACD/Interamer/Interamerhtml/Millerhtml/mil_conc.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camila_O%27Gorman
http://www.executedtoday.com/2008/08/18/1848-camila-ogorman-father-ladislao-gutierrez-traditional-family-values/
http://www.irishargentine.org/julianello.htm
http://www.trincoll.edu/classes/hist300/group3/latin.htm
http://chnm.gmu.edu/cyh/primary-sources/70
Comments on other students Work from last week...
Brandon wrote that Mexico is rich with iron deposits and has many mines. Ironworking was the first craft regulated in what is now Mexico.
Susan wrote that the Spanish conquistadors around 1600 mined the islands for gold which they brought back to Spain. The result of this economic exploitation was plantation dependence.
Nancy wrote about the Miuslims of Spain; The Moors were North Africans that had previously been conquered by the Arabs and had adopted their language, Arabic, and religion, Islam. At the pinnacle of their power the Moorish empire dominated land from China to Africa.
Robert wrote aobut Columbus because he wanted to learn what his part was and the impact this “conquisitor” may have had on Latin America.
Sara researched colonial architecture and thought the the different features were fascinating, and the fact that they are that way for a reason or purpose makes these features even more interesting.
Kelsey wrote that Mexico's Central Valleys contained 19 million people until the Spanish arrived. Once they arrived, the population came to 2 million because of the disease of smallpox.
Theresa noted that Many aristocratic Spanish families altered their family trees to intentionally remove any trace of Muslim heritage from their written past.
Gray wrote about the bells used in Missions ...Bells played a large role in the mission San Juan Capistrano. Bells were rung to signify meal times, to call people to work or religious services, births, deaths, and at other significant occasions. Originally, bells hung from a tree, until they completed a large bell tower in 1791.
Stacy wrote about Colonial Art and said that the colonial integration produced many conflicts which are depicted in the art as well.
Paul wrote that before Cortez had ventured into Mexico to go after the Aztecs and their gold, he had all but one of his ships sunk as a challenge to see if any of his men were feeling weak and wanted to go back.
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