2.1 Political Instability and Caudillismo

After independence, Latin America faced political instability as caudillos rose to power. These charismatic military strongmen ruled through force and patronage, centralizing authority around themselves. Their personalist style of governance hindered the development of stable democratic institutions.

The era was marked by ideological conflicts between centralists and federalists, leading to frequent civil wars. Caudillos and their private armies were key players in these power struggles. This constant turmoil made it difficult to establish lasting constitutions or democratic norms in the newly independent nations.

Caudillismo and Personalist Rule

Emergence of Caudillos as Dominant Political Figures

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• Caudillismo developed as a system of personalist rule in Latin America following independence
• Caudillos were charismatic military strongmen who gained power through force or popularity
• Relied on patron-client relationships to maintain support
  • Caudillos provided protection and favors to loyal followers (clients)
  • Clients offered political backing, military service, and other support in return

Characteristics and Governing Style of Caudillos

• Caudillos often had a military background and projected a macho, authoritarian image
• Centralized power around themselves and ruled in a personalist fashion
  • Made decisions unilaterally with little constraint on their authority
  • Example caudillos include Juan Manuel de Rosas in Argentina and Antonio López de Santa Anna in Mexico
• Despite authoritarian tendencies, many caudillos portrayed themselves as defenders of the people
  • Claimed to protect the interests of the masses against elite domination
  • Populist rhetoric helped build broad bases of support, especially among lower classes

Impact of Caudillismo on Political Development

• Caudillismo hindered the development of stable democratic institutions
  • Power was concentrated in the hands of individual strongmen rather than laws or constitutions
  • Transitions of power were often violent, occurring through coups or civil wars
• Patron-client nature of caudillo rule encouraged corruption and stunted economic growth
  • Caudillos rewarded loyal followers with government positions and economic privileges
  • Enriched themselves and their inner circle at the expense of the nation as a whole
• Legacy of caudillismo contributed to cycles of instability and authoritarianism in Latin America

Political Factions and Conflict

Ideological Divisions between Centralists and Federalists

• Centralists favored a strong national government with power concentrated in the capital
  • Believed centralization was necessary to maintain order and promote economic development
  • Drew support primarily from conservative elites and the military
• Federalists advocated for greater regional autonomy and a more decentralized political system
  • Wanted power devolved to state/provincial governments to prevent tyranny
  • Appealed to liberals, regional elites, and those outside the capital city

Prevalence of Civil Wars and Conflict

• Disputes between centralists and federalists frequently erupted into civil wars
  • Factions took up arms to seize control of the government and impose their vision
  • Examples include the Argentine Civil Wars and the Peruvian Civil War of 1843-1844
• Caudillos and their private armies were key protagonists in these conflicts
  • Mobilized supporters to fight against rival factions and caudillos
  • Used violence as a means to gain or maintain power

Obstacles to Constitutional Stability

• Frequent civil wars and factional disputes undermined constitutional governance
  • Made it difficult to establish enduring democratic norms and institutions
  • Power of caudillos overshadowed the authority of constitutions and laws
• Constitutions were regularly discarded or rewritten to suit the interests of victorious factions
  • New constitutions enacted after each transfer of power
  • High turnover prevented any constitution from gaining legitimacy or longevity

Notable Caudillos

Juan Manuel de Rosas in Argentina

• Rosas ruled as governor of Buenos Aires and dominated Argentine politics from 1829-1852
• Established a repressive dictatorship backed by the landed elite and gauchos
  • Used violence and intimidation to crush political opposition
  • Represented the Federalist faction but centralized power in Buenos Aires
• Implemented protectionist economic policies and expanded the frontier against indigenous groups

Antonio López de Santa Anna in Mexico

• Santa Anna was a leading caudillo who served as president of Mexico on multiple occasions
  • First came to power in 1833 after overthrowing the government of Anastasio Bustamante
  • Went on to rule eleven non-consecutive times between 1833 and 1855
• Shifted between Federalist and Centralist allegiances to suit his own interests
  • Declared himself a Federalist when it was expedient but later dissolved the federal system entirely
  • Centralized power and ruled as a dictator during much of his time in office
• Mismanaged the Texas Revolt and Mexican-American War, losing large portions of territory