Chapter 6 From Independence to the Revolution Summary and Analysis

The Bourbon dynasty improved business operations through reforms and New Spain became a real colony but only an empty body. Eventually, ties with Spain were severed, and independence achieved. The modern Hispanic thinking has the Spanish and Spanish American influence characterized by independence and search for destiny. Traditional Spanish thought examines its own meaning and reality while North American thought is the future to be realized. Such dualism is especially sharp in South America, where opposition to Spanish tradition was prevalent. South American independence was driven through other movements, such as the French Revolution, but was more in tune with common people and hence was more realistic. San Martin freed half the continent while Bolivar the other half, creating states and confederations. The Spanish Empire disintegrated.

Spanish American independence lacked ideas...