Essay about The Independence of Spainish Colonies in America

The Spanish empire in the Americas faced huge political, social and economic problems in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The empire was stretched to its limit politically and socially with the threat of an uprising from the slave population in its empire. The economy also played a major role and the outlook was just as bleak for Spain with the American colonies drifting towards independence. Spain did not seem able to cope with its empire and had found itself in trouble with regards to mining which was at the centre of political and social systems, the military and the empire’s economic activity. By 1600, mining which was integral to Spain’s prosperity and growth, was under a huge amount of pressure. This pressure was caused by†¦show more content†¦Although the economy of the Americas relied heavily on mining there was also a large emphasis on agricultural development and manufacturing in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. However, the developmen t of agricultural during these two centuries led to further economic turmoil within the Americas. The agricultural system was changed from the traditional Indian subsistence agriculture to commercial crops and plantations. This change in agriculture led to the formation of ‘latifundios’ and ‘minifundios’ which were not as self-sufficient as the traditional Indian subsistence farming. The sugar boom meant that the agricultural system in place led to a loss of Indian land and water rights. Venezuela became the centre of the Americas agricultural economy, due to its success of farming cacao in the central valleys and also due to its livestock. However, the success of its livestock meant that large and intrusive ‘estancias’ or ranches were constructed. This was especially true in the Pampas region of South America, which brought in development of a previously undeveloped and unspoilt region. The Americas move towards independence was slowly picking up pace as a result of its success in manufacturing. For example, wine within the Americas was nowShow MoreRelated The Role of the Catholic Church In The New World Essay2837 Words   |  12 Pagesrecords show that the Spanish dispatched missionaries to more than 65 destinations, ranging from Florida and California to Chile and the Strait of Magellan. (Van Oss 5) Between 1493, when the first mission left for Espanola, and Spanish American independence (roughly 1821) more than 15 thousand missionaries crossed the Atlantic under royal auspices. (Van Oss 4) The Spanish, when choosing who to send as their principle emissaries of the Catholic Church, went over the heads of the Spanish bishopsRead MoreThe United States And Foreign Policy Essay4400 Words   |  18 Pagesit is the purpose of this essay to analysis and examine the Spanish-American War, President Mckinley’s foreign policy, the American public reaction, the aftermath and the European perception of America s rise in international society. Moreover, this essay will attempt to analysis the position of America at war and the transition in international status that came as the result. During the conflict between France and Britain during 1793, President George Washington issued a Proclamation of NeutralityRead MoreEssay on Analysis of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros4759 Words   |  20 Pages2001) 2. America 2.1 The New World Once it was the New World, and nowadays it has become to a world power. America is both a continent and a country. America the country is offically called United States of America, it includes 42 states and its population is varied because it is a nation of immigrants. Compared to the worlds standards it is relatively young no more than 200 years old. But it is the world’s greatest economic power (cf. http://www.Britannica.com, 27.Feb.2001). America the continent