Evaluate the role of foreign intervention on two independence movements in the Americas.

Candidates are required to focus their responses on two independence movements in the region and evaluate the role played by foreign powers during that time. They should determine the ways in which foreign powers helped or hindered the independence movements and assess the significance of such actions.

Indicative content

• Although they cannot be categorized as direct foreign intervention, the philosophical and intellectual contributions of the European Enlightenment and the French Revolution could be considered a type of foreign influence.
• In both British and Spanish America, there was increasing dissatisfaction with the lack of representation of the colonies in European parliaments and resentment against the demanding taxation systems imposed by European powers.
• For British America, the impact of the French and Indian Wars on the relations between the United Kingdom and the colonies, and the ways in which British and French intervention in the French and Indian Wars affected the later independence movement could be considered.
• Candidates may also address foreign aid—both financial and in terms of munitions—from France, Spain and the Netherlands to the American colonies.
• France in particular was significant as it provided military assistance in the form of troops and training. Further, the French Navy was key to the success of the American independence movement.
• Responses that refer to Haiti could discuss both British and Spanish interventions.
• Responses that refer to Latin America could mention the friction that was a consequence of the Bourbon Reforms and/or they could discuss the monopolistic trade system. There could also be reference to the influence that the independence of the US may have had.
• Further, there could be a discussion of the political implications of the abdications of Charles IV and Ferdinand VII and Napoleon’s invasion of Spain, as well as lack of support for the Spanish Central Junta. British intervention in the region, for example its incursions into the Rio de la Plata in 1806 and 1807, may also be considered.
• For Portuguese America, examples of foreign influence may include the establishment of the royal family in Brazil during the Napoleonic invasion, subsequent policies that sought to open up trade with countries other than Portugal (for example the United Kingdom) and the impact of the decisions of the Cortes (including the restoration of Brazil to the status of colony). Dom Pedro’s defiance of Portugal, his call for a Constituent Assembly and the declaration of Independence in 1822 may also be significant.

The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.

Examiners are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.

[20 marks]