The Spanish ruled South America for 300 years. During this period, only Spanish-born people living in South America enjoyed having wealth and power. This made many people living in the region angry.

Question

Simón Bolívar was a Creole of Venezuela. In 1810, he led a revolution for independence in his native country, Venezuela, but was not successful. His first attempt towards independence had failed; however, between 1819-1830, Bolivar successfully freed Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia from Spanish rule. With the help of Jose de San Martin, he also liberated (freed) Argentina and Chile.what was the Native Point of View

Answer 1

The Native perspective during the Spanish colonial period and the subsequent independence movements was complex and varied widely among different indigenous groups. Here are some key points that could represent a Native point of view during that time:

1. Resistance to Oppression: Many indigenous people likely viewed the Spanish colonizers as oppressors who disrupted their traditional ways of life, imposed foreign cultures and religions, and exploited their lands and resources.

2. Exploitation and Displacement: Indigenous communities faced severe exploitation under the encomienda system and other colonial practices. The promise of freedom from Spanish rule might have been seen as a chance to reclaim their lands, rights, and autonomy.

3. Cautious Optimism: While some indigenous groups might have seen Bolívar and other independence leaders as potential allies in their struggle against Spanish oppression, others may have been skeptical. They might question whether the new republics would genuinely respect their rights, cultures, and lands or simply replace one form of dominance with another.

4. Desire for Sovereignty: Some indigenous leaders may have sought not just liberation from Spanish rule but also an acknowledgment of their nations and rights. The romanticized idea of independence often overlooked the aspirations and needs of indigenous populations.

5. Fragmentation of Identity: The period of independence led to the creation of new nation-states, which often didn't recognize the diverse identities and needs of indigenous peoples. Many indigenous groups may have felt marginalized in the post-colonial state-building process, where their voices and rights were overlooked.

6. Cultural Preservation: Alongside political aspirations, there was a strong desire to preserve indigenous cultures, languages, and practices in the face of encroaching European influence and later national assimilation policies.

Understanding the Native point of view involves recognizing the layered experiences of indigenous groups in the context of colonialism and independence movements. Their voices were often overlooked in historical accounts that predominantly focus on European actors and elite social classes.