Independence (Response to the Manuel Chust Questionnaire)

Abstract

Enrique Ayala is interviewed on Spanish American Independence by Catalan historian Manuel Chust. The author claims that the crisis of 1808 was responsible for some financial damage to the metropolis but also enabled changes related to power balance within the colonies. As criollo barons’ dominance over land and merchants’ control of local and regional economy were gradually established, Spanish bureaucracy became weakened, restricted to a political scenario. Therefore, local dominant classes were benefited. He emphasizes the fact that independence throughout Spanish America must be seen as a process which was finally successful when the people were convened as actors and the struggle of an array of colonies came together. Envisaging that, says Ayala, was one of the major achievements of Simón Bolívar. Finally, independence is not reached through deeds of key figures but due to the effect of collective players: prominent criollos, latifundia lords, merchants from privileged ports, military leaders, intelectuals, church hierarchy and British support to insurgent forces.