Blog 1

Simon Bolivar's captivating "Jamaica Letter" talks about how Spain and Europe will not give the Latin American colonies a chance to gain freedom. Bolivar heavily criticizes Spain for it's power hungry attitude and great desire to rule the countries in Latin and South America. He does acknowledge that Spain is the mother country of these new Latin American countries, but emphasizes the fact that they are now ready for independence. Even though the countries and Spain have shared interests, knowledge, religion, and mutual goodwill, they simply can no longer be ruled by the Spanish crown. Bolivar argues that once the countries have completely split from Spain, peace and prosperity will grow throughout Latin and South America. He says that "Nearly a million people once lived in Venezuela, and I can say without exaggeration that a fourth of them have been sacrificed by the terrain, the sword, hunger, plague, and homeless wandering. Except for the earthquake, all of this is the result of war." (15) and "...more than a million men have died, as you will see in the report made by Mr. Walton, who describes in detail the bloody crimes committed in that wealthy empire." (15) Bolivar also suggests that Europe (not just Spain) seems to have no sympathy for the countries trying to break away from Spain. He argues that "...sixteen million Americans defend their rights or live oppressed by the Spanish nation which, once the vastest empire on earth, is now reduced to remnants that can neither dominate the new hemisphere nor even maintain control of the old. And civilized Europe, merchant, lover of liberty, will she allow a decrepit serpent to devour the most beautiful part of the globe out of pure venomous rage? What? Is Europe deaf to the clamor of her own interests? Has she no eyes to see justice? Has she become inured to the suffering of others to be this insensitive?" (15) According to Bolivar, Spain's involvement with the Latin American countries has not been to their benefit. Bolivar actually argues that Spain should try and strengthen their own econonmy before trying to rule others in the Western Hemisphere. He says that "...so by focusing on her own immediate interets she could begin to rebuild her prosperity and power on foundations far more solid than these uncertain conquests, precarious commercial enterprises, and violent pillaging in lands that are remote, hostile, and powerful." (16) Bolivar also feels that once the Latin American nations are free to govern, trade with Europe will create stronger economies in both Europe and Latin and South America.