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. Rodriguez 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.
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. Rodriguez 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.
This book provides a new interpretation of Spanish American independence, emphasising political processes.
"Sweeping in its analysis of the versatile political traditions that apparently spannes the far-flung Spanish monarchy, The Independence of Spanish America remains unusual among books of its class for its tandem focus on the examples of New Spain (Mexico) and Quito (Ecuador), and for successfully resisting 'the assumption that what occurred had to happen.'" Choice "Jaime E. Rodrieguez O.'s comprehensively researched account of the independence period in Spanish America is the most important work of synthesis on the subject since John Lynch's The Spanish American Revolutions 1808-1826(1973). His careful narrative of the events of the independence period...can certainly be recommended to anyone approaching the subject for the first time." Simon Collier, American Historical Review "...Rodriguez 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
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