The Independence of Spanish America

This book provides a new interpretation of Spanish American independence, emphasising political processes.

Jaime E. Rodríguez (Author)

9780521622981, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 May 1998

288 pages
23.2 x 15.5 x 2.1 cm, 0.55 kg

"...Rodríguez provides an excellent melding of intellectual, legal, constitutional, and political aspects of the dissolution of the Spanish Monarchy and the birth of its first national successors." The International History Review

This book provides a new interpretation of the process of Spanish American independence (1808–26); one which emphasises political processes and cultural continuities, instead of the break with Spain. It is the first book to examine the representative government and popular elections introduced by the Spanish Constitution of 1812. Rodríguez argues that independence did not constitute an anti-colonial movement, as many scholars assert, but rather formed part of the broader Spanish political revolution. In America, a struggle over who would govern accompanied this revolution. Despite significant participation by the masses, the struggle for independence resulted in the triumph of the criollos, the New World bourgeoisie. The liberal tradition of constitutional, representative government that emerged during this period, together with the achievement of nationhood, constitutes the most significant heritage of Spanish American independence.

Preface to the English edition
Introduction
1. Spanish America
2. Revolution in the Spanish World
3. The Birth of Representative Government
4. Civil War in America
5. Independence
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900 [HBLL], History of the Americas [HBJK]