Latin America's Post-Independence Progress: Journalist's Report

This assignment presents a journalist's perspective on the progress of Latin America after its independence. The author, assuming the role of an American journalist, analyzes the significant developments across various fields, including economy, politics, and culture. The report highlights the political instability marked by shifting regimes and the tension between liberals and conservatives. It discusses the impact of technological advancements like steamships, railroads, and the telegraph on connecting Latin America to the world. The journalist explores the acceptance of materialism, the rise of liberalism, and the challenges faced by the Church and the indigenous populations. The analysis also covers the changes in women's roles and the persistence of slavery. The journalist concludes by expressing optimism for future developments, referencing key terms and events from the period to support the analysis.

Running head: LATIN AMERICA AFTER INDEPENDENCE
LATIN AMERICA AFTER INDEPENDENCE
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1LATIN AMERICA AFTER INDEPENDENCE
American Expedition
Friday, August 20, 1880
Progress in Latin America
Written by American Journalist Stanley Roger
I am writing this article to summarise the series of development that has taken place in Latin
America after their independence. The country went through progress in all fields such as
economy, politics, culture and others. The Latin American political history after
independence was marked by frequent changes in regimes as well as personal
authoritarianism. There was also a deep-seated tension between the liberals and the
conservatives who oscillated in power. The country’s history contrasted with that of the
experience of the US that was also a new nation. Latin America's investment drought ended
with a flow of international capital. Modern technology had revolutionized Latin America
and connected it with the outer world as a result of which trade started flourishing. Iron-
hulled steam ships replaced the wooden vessels that carried less cargo (Chasteen 162).
Gradually railroads were introduced along with lines of the telegraph that helped in taking the
message from one part of the region to the other and soon, electricity was also introduced
(Chasteen 162). Though people were suffering, they welcomed change as they wanted to
stand at par with the others. People started accepting materialism being aware that the
traditional values were taking a backside. The country was progressing as people needed
progress to develop themselves as they lagged behind other countries.
Previously they supported the Republics and election that led to conflicts. Between 1850-75
several political changes took place in the country. People still followed caudillos as well as
patrons, and the economy again collided. People were divided between the liberals and the
conservatives (Chasteen 165). The former protested against the Church as they were fruits of

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colonial rule and was regarded as the highest authority whereas, liberals represented change.
The Mexican church-owned vast properties and the rural society was built around agricultural
villages. After independence priests like Morelos and Hidalgo rose to power but it did not last
long. The church adopted ultramontane conservatism. Melchor Ocampo questioned the
existence of God (Chasteen 197). With liberal reform came the Juarez law that attacked the
military as well as ecclesiastical charter. The Lerdo law compelled the church to sell its
properties (Chasteen 167). By 1858 Conservative party soon came to power after which civil
war broke out. Chile was also taken over by the conservatives after defeating the liberals. The
president of Chile also built schools for children (Chasteen 173).
Earlier it was noticed that women did not have much freedom, but after independence and
under liberals, they were offered education and other opportunities. However, it was a few
women who were benefitted from this (Chasteen 174). Brazil also accepted liberalism.
Slavery still existed in parts of Latin America. However, public pressure compelled slavery
to end. Liberalism became the official ideology of the country (Chasteen 185). I noticed a
peaceful liberal hegemony at the end. I can further hope for a better turn of events.

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References
Chasteen, John Charles. Born In Blood And Fire. 4th ed., W.W. Norton & Co, 2016.