Analyzing the Words of Bolivar & San Martin
From the early 1500s to the early 1800s, the Latin American people had been oppressed by Spain. Spaniards born in Latin America could not hold high offices in government. People of mixed ancestry had even fewer privileges. Most Africans were enslaved, and Indians were more severely oppressed than any other group. Inspired by democratic ideals, Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín gained independence for Spanish South America. This independence brought a sudden and dramatic change in government for millions of Latin Americans.
“We have been harassed by a conduct which has not only deprived us of our rights but has kept us in a sort of permanent infancy with regard to public affairs… Among the popular and representative systems, I do not favor the federal system. It is overperfect, and it demands political virtues and talents far superior to our own. For the same reason I reject a monarchy that is part aristocracy and part democracy, although with such a government England has achieved much fortune and splendor… I say: Do not adopt the best system of government, but the one that is most likely to succeed.” – Simon Bolivar
1. Did Bolívar believe that a federal system of government would work well in Spanish South America? Explain.
2. Do you think the part aristocracy and part democracy form of government would have been more or less successful than the federal system (used in the United States) in Latin America? Why?
“My promises to the countries in which I warred are fulfilled: to make them independent, and to leave to their will the election of their governments. The presence of a fortunate soldier, however disinterested he may be, is dangerous to newly constituted states. I am also disgusted with hearing that I wish to make myself a sovereign. Nevertheless, I shall always be ready to make the last sacrifice for the liberty of the country-but in the capacity of a private individual and no other…. Peruvians! I leave your national representation established: if you repose implicit confidence in it, you will triumph; if not, anarchy will swallow you up.” – Jose de San Martin
3. Why does San Martín believe he has fulfilled his promise to Latin Americans?
4. How does San Martín feel about the future of democracy in Peru? Explain.
5. Why do you think San Martín felt that the presence of a successful military leader (fortunate soldier) was dangerous to newly constituted states? Explain
Answer (1)
Answer:1. Did Bolívar believe that a federal system of government would work well in Spanish South America? Explain.Answer:No, Bolívar did not believe a federal system would work well. He thought it was "overperfect" and would require political virtues and talents far superior to what the people of Latin America had at that time, due to years of oppression and lack of experience in public affairs. He believed a simpler, more achievable form of government would be more successful.---2. Do you think the part aristocracy and part democracy form of government would have been more or less successful than the federal system (used in the United States) in Latin America? Why?Answer:Likely less successful. While it worked for England, Latin America lacked the social and political stability and experience to balance aristocratic and democratic powers. Combining monarchy and democracy might have led to conflict between classes in a newly independent region. A federal system, though challenging, could have promoted equality if people had been properly educated in civic responsibility — but given Bolívar’s concern about readiness, either option would have faced difficulties.---3. Why does San Martín believe he has fulfilled his promise to Latin Americans?Answer:San Martín believes he fulfilled his promise because he secured their independence from Spain and left them free to choose their own government. He emphasized that his role was to liberate, not to rule, and with that achieved, he saw his mission as complete.---4. How does San Martín feel about the future of democracy in Peru? Explain.Answer:San Martín seems cautiously optimistic but also concerned. He warns that if Peruvians fully trust and support their new government, they will succeed. But if not, anarchy will overtake them. This shows his hope for democracy but also his fear that without unity and trust in the new system, the country could fall into chaos.---5. Why do you think San Martín felt that the presence of a successful military leader (fortunate soldier) was dangerous to newly constituted states? Explain.Answer:San Martín believed that even a well-meaning, popular military leader could threaten a new democracy because people might be tempted to give too much power to a single figure, risking dictatorship. He was aware that a strong soldier’s influence could disrupt the fragile balance needed for a stable government and prevent citizens from learning to govern themselves.
