This blog is going to address the cliff-hanger about my frustration that I know some many are dying to hear about. This semester, I have been feeling really frustrated leaving the class because of the content. This blog post is going to be a bit of a rant, so I apologize in advance.
My first frustration is regarding the lack of unity within each state. I understand that there are disagreements on how the nation should be formed and how the government should work. The thing that is so upsetting to me is that these disagreements got in the way of the state success by creating political instability. It is hard for me to wrap my head around the idea that people would start wars, overthrow leaders, and exploit power over their beliefs for the future of a country. These people were so stuck in the short-term success of the country that they could not see the damage they were doing to the long-term success. It is hard for me to believe that these people did not realize that their violent actions would not have consequences that would cause disunity through time.
My second frustration is regarding the irresponsible spending of a countries budget. As far as I am concerned, not one of the Latin American countries were in a fiscal position to declare war on another country. I acknowledge that I am looking at history with a bird’s eye view, but come on Brazil was it really smart to spend a large percent of your budget on the war with Paraguay? I am not saying that all Latin American countries need to be allies. It is just frustrating to me that these countries could not realize that they would be stronger together. I believe that Brazil and other Latin American countries would have had a more stable economy without the heavy expense of war.
It is a good thing to get frustrated with history because that shows that I am thinking deeply about the past and how I can be more aware in the future to prevent history from repeating itself. I want so badly for there to be a happy ending to the content of this class but I know that Latin American countries are still striving playing catch up in the present. It is sad to know the potential for Latin America and American Republican Modernity, but history cannot be changed. We can only educate ourselves from the mistakes of the past and apply them to the future.
Well, first of all, I'm so glad that you ended the suspense and anticipation.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with what you blogged about, especially the part about leaders of Mexico and other nations putting their own interests above those of the country. Whenever Stark is giving his lecture and then he says, "Oh and then he wanted more power so he did _ to benefit himself rather than the country" I get very frustrated too. It seems as though if you knew your nation was weak you would be trying to do everything in your power to strengthen it. Even as a politician it would serve your own interests to build up the country instead of tear it down with greed and selfishness.
All I'm going to say is that things probably would have been a lot different if women were the ones in power instead of the men...
Great post, A.J. and keep getting frustrated because you're right, it is a good thing.