Early expressions of proto-nationalism in Colonial Latin America emerged through rebellions and revolutionary influences. Indigenous uprisings like the Túpac Amaru II Rebellion and the Comunero Revolt challenged Spanish rule, while ideas from the American and French Revolutions inspired creole elites.

Creole identity and patriotism grew as American-born saints became symbols of pride. Creoles asserted their rights as "naturales" of the Americas, reinterpreting political concepts to justify demands for autonomy. This laid the groundwork for distinct national identities separate from Spain.

Rebellions and Revolts

Indigenous Uprisings Against Colonial Rule

• Túpac Amaru II Rebellion (1780-1782) led by José Gabriel Condorcanqui, a descendant of the last Inca ruler Túpac Amaru, who took on the name Túpac Amaru II
  • Sought to overthrow Spanish rule in Peru and establish an independent Inca state
  • Gained widespread support from indigenous people, mestizos, and even some creoles
  • Spanish authorities brutally suppressed the rebellion, executing Túpac Amaru II and his family
• Comunero Revolt (1781) in New Granada (present-day Colombia) against new taxes and reforms imposed by the Spanish authorities
  • Comuneros, mostly mestizo and creole farmers and artisans, marched on the capital Bogotá demanding the repeal of the new measures
  • Revolt was eventually put down by Spanish forces, but it demonstrated growing discontent with colonial rule

Influence of Revolutionary Ideas from Abroad

• Influence of the American Revolution (1775-1783) on creole elites in Latin America
  • Inspired by the success of the American colonists in achieving independence from Great Britain
  • Saw the American Revolution as a model for their own struggles against Spanish rule
• Impact of the French Revolution (1789-1799) and its ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity
  • Spread of Enlightenment ideas challenging the legitimacy of absolute monarchy and the old social order
  • Creoles drew parallels between the French Revolution and their own desires for greater autonomy and political rights
• Napoleonic invasion of Spain (1808) and the overthrow of the Spanish monarchy
  • Created a power vacuum in the Spanish colonies and weakened Spain's ability to maintain control
  • Creoles saw an opportunity to assert their own authority and push for independence

Creole Identity and Patriotism

Assertion of American Identity

• Emergence of American-born saints as symbols of creole pride and identity
  • Examples include St. Rose of Lima (Peru), St. Mariana de Jesús (Ecuador), and St. Felipe de Jesús (Mexico)
  • Represented the spiritual and moral virtues of the American-born population
• Development of patriotic symbols and iconography celebrating the uniqueness of the American experience
  • Coats of arms, flags, and other emblems incorporating indigenous and local motifs
  • Paintings and sculptures depicting American landscapes, flora, and fauna
• Writing of local histories emphasizing the achievements and contributions of creoles and their ancestors
  • Chronicled the conquest and colonization from a creole perspective
  • Highlighted the role of creole heroes and leaders in shaping the destiny of the Americas

Creole Interpretation of Rights and Liberties

• Creole elites' reinterpretation of traditional Spanish political and legal concepts to justify their demands for greater autonomy
  • Invoked the idea of the "social contract" between the monarch and the people
  • Argued that if the monarch failed to uphold his end of the bargain, the people had the right to resist or even overthrow him
• Assertion of creole rights as "naturales" (natives) of the Americas entitled to the same privileges as peninsular Spaniards
  • Challenged the system of racial hierarchy and discrimination that favored those born in Spain
  • Demanded access to high offices, economic opportunities, and political participation based on merit rather than birthplace
• Reinterpretation of the concept of "patria" (homeland) to refer specifically to the American territories rather than to Spain
  • Fostered a sense of belonging and loyalty to the local community and region
  • Laid the groundwork for the development of distinct national identities separate from the Spanish motherland