From the European (Spanish/Portuguese) point of view during the period of colonial rule in South America, the situation was characterized by a hierarchy of power and a systematic exploitation of the resources and people in the region. The Spanish and Portuguese crown viewed their colonies as valuable sources of wealth, primarily through the extraction of natural resources, such as gold and silver, as well as agricultural products.
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Colonial Governance: The Spanish established a system of governance that favored peninsulares, or those born in Spain, who were appointed to key positions in colonial administration. This created a sense of superiority among the peninsulares and reinforced their control over creoles (people of Spanish descent born in the Americas) and other indigenous populations.
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Economic Exploitation: The colonial economy was heavily based on the exploitation of indigenous and enslaved African labor to fuel plantations and mines. The wealth generated from these ventures flowed back to Spain, benefiting the European metropole while leaving the local populations in poverty.
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Social Hierarchy: The rigid social hierarchy created resentment among creoles and other groups. Creoles, despite being of Spanish descent, were denied the same privileges and opportunities as peninsulares, leading to a brewing discontent. The lack of political power and representation for creoles and other local inhabitants contributed to the revolutionary sentiments that would later erupt.
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Cultural Justification: The European perspective often justified their dominion through a sense of cultural superiority. They believed they were bringing civilization, Christianity, and progress to the "backward" societies of South America. This paternalistic attitude shaped their policies and interactions with native populations.
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Reaction to Revolutions: When figures like Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín began to organize revolutions against Spanish rule, the Spanish saw this as a threat to their empire and stability. They struggled to maintain control over their colonies through military force and political maneuvering, often underestimating the resolve and capabilities of local leaders and revolutionaries.
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Outcome and Consequences: The eventual loss of their colonies was a significant blow to Spain and Portugal. The uprisings not only resulted in the independence of several South American nations but also prompted reflections on colonial policies and governance within Europe. The newly independent nations often found themselves grappling with internal divisions and challenges, largely stemming from the inequalities and rivalries entrenched during the colonial period.
In conclusion, from the Spanish and Portuguese perspective, the era of colonial rule was marked by a combination of economic exploitation, social stratification, and a belief in cultural superiority. The revolutions led by figures like Bolívar challenged this status quo, ultimately leading to significant geopolitical changes in the region.