The primary source analyzed is from Simón Bolívar’s Proclamation of 1813. In this proclamation, he is addressing the people of Venezuela. Bolívar makes the goal of his army clear. They were sent from New Granada to liberate the people of Venezuela from Spain. The goal was to truly liberate Venezuela and to return them to their former constitution, not to dominate or impose. Bolívar paints a clear picture of Spaniards as a vicious enemy. He says to the people, “Moved by your misfortunes, we have been unable to observe with indifference the afflictions you were forced to experience by the barbarous Spaniards, who have ravished you, plundered you, and brought you death and destruction. They have violated the sacred rights of nations” (Bolívar 1813). Bolívar makes these points to break the hegemonic notion that Spain was a rightful ruler. Another point made clear is who is welcome in the movement. Spaniards who join and the independence movement will be accepted. All Americans, even those who supported Spain, are welcome if they support independence.
Bolívar’s speech relates to Chasteens Independence time period. Bolívar uses nativism to unite the country against Spain. Chasteen defines nativism as a glorification of ”an American identity defined by birthplace…” (Chasteen 2016, 107). The closing lines of Bolívar’s speech spells this out with no room for interpretation. He says, “Spaniards and Canary Islanders, you will die, though you be neutral, unless you actively espouse the cause of America’s liberation. Americans, you will live, even if you have trespassed.” The title of American is enough to bond together all native members of society and it is the unity that will win Venezuela their independence.
Works Cited
Chasteen, John Charles. Born in Blood & Fire. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2016
Bolívar, Simón. “Proclamation of 1813.” 1813. McDougal Littell Inc. 2017.
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