Introduction
There are several changes that Latin America has experienced overtime like any other region in the world. The changes have occurred despite the challenges of corruption, inadequate resources, and violence among other detrimental issues.
Changes At Different Periods Of Time
The changes at different periods of time have been divided into eight periods that have contributed to Latin America’s history. The periods include:
The pre-colonial period, discovery and conquest period, colonial period, piracy age period, the period of independence from Spain, nineteenth century period, twentieth century period, and the modern period. The discussion of the periods enables one to have a deep understanding of the changes in Latin America since time immemorial.
The pre-colonial period
This is the period before 1492. Not much of the history of this period is known because during that specific period, less documentation of events occurred. The little history that exists reveals that many cultures existed and only a few cultures ruled and exercised their religions. All the other cultures adhered to the religion of undertaking agricultural activities, going for war, and worshiping.
Discovery and Conquest
This started in the year 1492. As depicted by the name of the period, many discoveries occurred as there was much sailing. In 1553, the cultures that used to dominate were civilized as a result of the discoveries.
Conquests also occurred in form of resistance to the European domination. Latin Americans, Spain, and Portugal who were the dominant populations resisted the rule of Europeans despite the powerful weapons used by the Europeans and their ruthlessness.
The colonial period
Latin America was tired of wars and other adverse calamities. The period of colonialism took place from around 1492 to around 1810. That period brought many changes and advancements to the current Latin America.
The original cultures were weakened and forbidden due to the low populations. Exploitation of the Latin Americans was rampant. Their powers were neglected by all means and their history was restructured. Latin Americans therefore fought for their identities and are doing so to the current times.
Piracy period
The period was dominated by piracy as a way of life. European powers were too much. The period occurred in the year 1700 to 1725. The conditions in this period gave residents a golden opportunity for piracy. Many pirates were killed and therefore, most people did not opt for it as a way of earning a living unless when the golden opportunity presented itself. The pirates had set rules to guide them.
The rules included honesty and accountability and the rules guided their activities. The consequence of not abiding by their rules was countered with punishment in the form of one being ostracized from the group. The pirates were made up of all social classes.
The period of Independence from Spain
The period occurred when Spain was invaded by Napoleon and conquered. Latin America got independence between 1810 and 1825 because of its strong leadership then. During this period, Spain was weak because it had divided itself into colonies.
Nineteenth century period
In 1824, Latin America gained independence. It passed through several challenges of learning and adjustment to govern itself. Wars occurred as the people adjusted in their attempts to enhance prosperity (Edwards, 12).All the nations in Latin America experienced war except Argentina which had adopted its own constitution invented by Juan Bautista.
He was a critical and creative thinker of the period. He enabled Argentina to be stable and peaceful during the time of conflicts and during other related struggles. The nations that borrowed his ideologies enshrined in the Argentinean Constitution also became stable.
Twentieth century period
Many revolutions occurred. The most prominent war during this period was the “Thousand days war”. The war took place in Columbia from the year 1899 to the year 1902. The root cause of the war was the existence of both the liberals and the conservatives.
The individuals with liberal ideologies supported the changes that accompanied the independence while the conservative individuals rejected the changes brought about by the independence. The conflicts brought about some adverse effects in the all the nations of Latin America. Many people died. Rivalry, violence, and hatred dominated the nations of Latin America during this period.
Modern period
The period had several revolutions in the key sectors of industrialization, education, health care, and land reforms. Many industries came in to existence and the few that existed began to enhance their operations (Rangel, 4).
The education and health sectors improved in their operations to include both the poor and the rich residents. The revolution made the sectors affordable, accessible, culturally acceptable, and sensitive to needs of the nation. Modernization in the form of transportation and infrastructure also advanced.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the changes that have taken place in Latin America are responsible for the rapid development of Latin America. The development in the domains of the economy, society, politics, and law is attributed to the continued inventions by the people of Latin America and their aggressive attempts to fight for their existence.
Works Cited
Edwards, Sebastian. Left Behind: Latin America and the False Promise of Populism, Chicago, USA: University of Chicago Press, 2010.Print.
Rangel, Carlos. The Latin Americans: Their Love-Hate Relationship with the United States, New York, USA: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1977.Print.