Latin American Independence Movements Grade Level:

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1 Latin American Independence Movements Grade Level: Written by: Length of Unit: 6 th Grade History and Geography LeAnndra Beeman, Cesar Chavez Academy, Pueblo, CO Eight lessons (approximately 13 days); one lesson = 70 minutes I. ABSTRACT This unit will examine the social issues that led to the division of European colonies into selfgoverned countries in Latin America. It will identify the causes and effects of inequality among races brought about by a strict and unfair class system. Through the study of various important people and events in Latin American history, students will gain a greater understanding of how the world around them came to be the way it is today. II. OVERVIEW A. Concept Objectives 1. Students will recognize the sanctity of life and the dignity of the individual and understand governmental policies that disregard the value of human life or condone inhuman practices. 2. Students will understand cause and effect. Historical events usually have multiple effects, come of which are not recognized until long after the event occurs. 3. Students will understand the close relationship between social and political systems. 4. Students will develop an awareness of place. B. Content from the Core Knowledge Sequence 1. 6 th Grade History and Geography: World History and Geography: Latin American Independence Movements, pg. 141 a. History i. The name Latin America comes from the Latin origin of the languages now most widely spoken (Spanish and Portuguese) ii. Haitian revolution i. Toussaint L Ouverture ii. iii. Abolition of West Indian slavery Mexican revolutions a) Miguel Hidalgo b) Jose Maria Morelos c) Santa Anna vs. the United States d) Benito Juarez e) Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata iv. Liberators a) Simon Bolivar b) Jose de San Martin c) Bernardo O Higgins v. New nations in Central America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua vi. Brazilian independence from Portugal C. Skill Objectives 1. Students will know how to use maps, globes, and other geographic tools to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial perspective. (Geography CSS 1.1) Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 1

2 2. Students will know the pattern and networks of economic interdependence. (Geography CSS 4.3) 3. Students will know how physical systems affect human systems. (Geography CSS 5.2) 4. Students will use chronology to organize historical events and people. (History CSS 1.2) 5. Students will know how various societies were affected by contacts and exchanges among diverse peoples. (History CSS 3.1) 6. Students will understand that societies are diverse and have changed over time. (History CSS 3.2) 7. Students will know how various systems of government have developed and functioned throughout history. (History CSS 5.2) 8. Students will know how political power has been acquired, maintained, used, and/or lost throughout history. (History CSS 5.3) 9. Students will know how societies have been affected by religions and philosophies. (History CSS 6.2) III. IV. BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE A. For Teachers 1. What Your Sixth Grader Should Know Ed. E.D. Hirsch pp B. For Students None RESOURCES A. Pearson Learning History and Geography Textbook Ed. E.D. Hirsch, pp V. LESSONS Lesson One: Geography of Latin America (one 70 minute class period) Daily Objectives 1. Concept Objective(s) a. Students will develop an awareness of place. 2. Lesson Content a. The name Latin America comes from the Latin origin of the languages now most widely spoken (Spanish and Portuguese) b. New nations in Central America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua 3. Skill Objective(s) a. Students will know how to use maps, globes, and other geographic tools to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial perspective. b. Students will know how physical systems affect human systems. B. Materials 1. One copy for every student of appendix A: Outline map of Mexico and South America and locations to identify 2. Appendix B: Key of outline map of Mexico and South America (for teacher) 3. One copy for every student of Appendix C: Colonies in the Americas, 1700 (copies should be in color if possible; if not, display an overhead of page 1 in color and hand out an outline to the students, Appendix C page 2 and have them the outline and complete their key) 4. Pearson History and Geography Textbook (one for each student) 5. Atlas - for each student or every two Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 2

3 C. Key Vocabulary None D. Procedures/Activities 1. Ask students if they know where Latin America is located and why it is called Latin America. (Answers should include that it is Mexico, South America and surrounding islands and that it is called Latin America because of the Latin origins of the languages mostly spoken in that area Spanish and Portuguese.) 2. Provide students with the outline map of Mexico and South America and list of places to locate (Appendix A). 3. Point out that from Mexico to the tip of South America is Latin America. Ask where they think the area called Central America is located. (From Mexico to South America) Where is South America? (They should all know this since it is a continent.) 4. Ask students: Why do you think that there are so many different names for one area? (Accept any reasonable answer, but it should include that it makes it easier to identify specific areas. Example- when we re talking about Central America we know that it is the area between Mexico and South America instead of looking at all of Latin America. The more specific the location the better.) 5. Direct students to look at the list and the map that were handed out (Appendix A). Instruct students to look at the atlas and find the places that are on their list and place them on the map as close as possible to actual location. 6. When students have located the places on the map, hand out a copy of Appendix C to every student. 7. Have students compare the two maps and identify the major differences between them. Ask the following questions and discuss the answers: a. Why are many of the countries on the current map, not found on the map from 1700? (Revolutions had yet to happen causing the changes.) b. What might cause changes in the size of name of a country? (The country could have been taken over by someone who changed its name or the country itself took over another country.) c. What other ways can these changes occur? (When a revolution occurs many times a country will change its name.) 8. After discussing the questions, have students take out a piece of paper. 9. Have students think about everything that they know about Mexico and South America. Tell them to list eight (8) things that they know about Mexico s and South America s history, culture, etc., if they say they don t know anything tell them to come up with at least five (5) questions about Mexico and South America that they would like answered. (Give 3-5 minutes only to create their list.) 10. Assign the reading assignment for the next class period (pages in textbook). 11. At this time, students should put their maps and list of facts or questions in their binders for use later in the unit. E. Assessment/Evaluation 1. Completion of map, participation in discussion questions, and brainstorming of prior knowledge about Latin America. If teacher chooses to use map for a grade use Appendix B: Key to map of Latin America. (You can assign points for each item on the list.) Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 3

4 Lesson Two: Revolution in Spanish America (one 70 minute class period) A. Daily Objectives 1. Concept Objective(s) a. Students will recognize the sanctity of life and the dignity of the individual and understand governmental policies that disregard the value of human life or condone inhuman practices. b. Students will understand the close relationship between social and political systems. 2. Lesson Content a. Background information on Latin America (not in Core Knowledge Sequence) 3. Skill Objective(s) a. Students will know how various societies were affected by contacts and exchanges among diverse peoples. b. Students will understand that societies are diverse and have changed over time. c. Students will know how political power has been acquired, maintained, used, and/or lost throughout history. B. Materials 1. One copy for every student of Appendix D: Graph of Latin American Class System: 1700s 2. Colored pencils (student or teacher provided) 3. Appendix E: Key for Graph of Latin American Class System 1700s 4. Pearson History and Geography Textbook (one for each student) C. Key Vocabulary 1. Creoles people who were born in America but whose parents or ancestors had been born in Spain 2. Mestizos people who were part Indian and part Spanish 3. Plantation a large farm 4. Indians the original people of the land; made up the majority of the population 5. Slaves African who had been brought by the Spanish since the early 1500s 6. Cabildos the government of a city in Latin America; the city council D. Procedures/Activities 1. Students were to have read pages in textbook as homework. 2. Discuss the following questions based on the reading assignment. (It may be helpful to compile the answers on the board and have students keep the information as notes in their binders.) a. Explain what a class system is. (A class system is when the citizens of a country are born to a certain position in life, with little opportunity to change that classification.) b. What other societies had a social class system that played an important role in everyday life? (England, France, Japan, accept any other correct answers) c. Identify some of the problems associated with a rigid class system. (People in the lower class are unhappy and rebel to try and better their lives. While the people in the upper classes are afraid that someone will come along and take away their rights and privileges) d. How did the class system play a role in the struggles in Latin America? (The slaves and others that were in the lower classes were unhappy with their life since they had to do all of the work and had very few rights. Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 4

5 They felt that they should have more of a say and not be forced to work and not get anything out of it.) e. What were some of the causes of the American and French Revolutions? How could each of these revolutions have inspired the people of Latin America to try and gain their independence from Spain? (The Americans were not represented in the British government and since the Latin Americans were experiencing the same thing that might have given them hope. A strict class system was a major problem in France and the main cause of the French Revolution. The idea that everyone should be free and equal no matter the social class would have also been inspirational to the Latin Americans.) f. Explain why Creoles were resentful of the people in Latin America that were Spanish-born. (Many of the Creoles were wealthy and welleducated, but the best government jobs went to the individuals born in Spain.) g. Explain how the lives of the native peoples and the slaves were the same. (The native peoples and the slaves were both poor and powerless people, which was determined by the class into which they were born.) h. List some of the possible long-term effects of the rebellions. (Possible answers: Powers of ruling country are overthrown. The people of Latin America become the people in power. New countries are created. People get more rights and equality. 3. Tell students that you are now going to look at the percentage of the population that made up each of the classes in Latin America. Remind them that before the French Revolution the Three Estates made up of clergy, nobility and the peasants was very unequal. Clergy was 1% of the population, but owned 10% of the land. The Nobility was 1% of the population and owned 20% of the land, while the peasants made up 98% of the population. 4. Review the three types of graphs with students: bar, line, and circle. Remind them that a line graph charts changes over time, such as temperatures during December in Pueblo. A bar graph compares amounts, such as how many students have parents that drive a truck, car, van, or motorcycle. A circle graph shows parts of a whole. The whole always being 100%. 5. Ask students which graph is going to be the best way to graph the population of the classes. (Circle) 6. Give each student a copy of Appendix D. 7. Direct students to make sure their books are closed and to take out their colored pencils. 8. As a class read the instructions, ask if there are any questions about the assignment. 9. Have students complete the graph and assign pages in the textbook as a homework assignment. E. Assessment/Evaluation 1. Class participation and completion of class system graph. If a grade is desired use Appendix E: Key for Graph of Latin American Class System 1700s. 2. Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 5

6 Lesson Three: Haiti and Its Independence (one 70 minute class period) A. Daily Objectives 1. Concept Objective(s) a. Students will recognize the sanctity of life and the dignity of the individual and understand governmental policies that disregard the value of human life or condone inhuman practices. b. Students will understand cause and effect. Historical events usually have multiple effects, come of which are not recognized until long after the event occurs. c. Students will understand the close relationship between social and political systems. 2. Lesson Content a. Haitian revolution i. Toussaint L Ouverture ii. Abolition of West Indian slavery 3. Skill Objective(s) a. Students will use chronology to organize historical events and people. b. Students will know how various societies were affected by contacts and exchanges among diverse peoples. c. Students will understand that societies are diverse and have changed over time. d. Students will know how various systems of government have developed and functioned throughout history. e. Students will know how political power has been acquired, maintained, used, and/or lost throughout history. f. Students will know how societies have been affected by religions and philosophies. B. Materials 1. One copy for every student of Appendix F: Timeline Example (teacher only) 2. One copy for every student of Appendix G: Review questions for Toussaint L Ouverture and Haiti 3. Appendix H: Haitian Revolution Leaders Chart (teacher copy only) 4. Overhead of Appendix H, page 1 C. Key Vocabulary 1. Maroons escaped slaves 2. Voodoo an ancient religion that began in Africa and was brought to the Caribbean by slaves; today it is blended with Catholicism and has both the African and Catholic spirits; followers usually attend both a Catholic church and a Voodoo temple; in the temple, a priest or priestess, through song and prayer, invoke spirits that possess the believers and cause trancelike behavior 3. Machete a large, heavy knife used for cutting down sugarcane and brush 4. Scythe a long, curving blade used for cutting grain and long grasses 5. Night of Fire 50,000 slaves killed landowners and burned their plantations; the beginning of the rebellion 6. Mulattos people of mixed race usually French fathers and black slave mothers 7. Toussaint L Ouverture born a slave, was later taught to read, write and use herbs for healing, freed by the manager of the plantation in which he lived; he led the rebellion and later helped create a separate government; later died in a prison in Switzerland Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 6

7 8. Guerilla army a group of soldiers who usually are volunteers and not highly trained, professional soldiers 9. Jean Jaques Dessalines main leader of the former slaves, gave the island the name Haiti and soon became dictator 10. Yellow Fever a deadly disease the kills 85 percent of the people infected; its symptoms are chills and fever, aches and pains, and nausea; it causes internal bleeding, which is what leads to death; in 1900, the Panama Canal could not get underway until they did something about the mosquitoes that caused Yellow Fever; the United States eliminated stagnant, standing water and destroyed the trees that mosquitoes live in; a vaccine was later developed and today Yellow Fever is very rare D. Procedures/Activities 1. Have students briefly write down they what they think about slavery in the United States. Why did the United States permit slavery? What effect did slavery have on the country? When and why was slavery forbidden? (Answers should include: slaves were necessary for the economy in the southern plantations. It was one of the causes for the Civil War. Lincoln s Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 eventually led to the slave s freedom The Fifteenth Amendment outlawed slavery completely. Answers will vary for what they think about slavery.) 2. Explain to students that in the lesson they will learn about the history of slavery in Haiti and that the United States was not the only place that faced issues dealing with slavery. 3. Have students take out the maps that they completed in the previous lesson (if they were collected for grading they must be handed back). Direct students to locate Haiti on their map. Ask them to describe the location and the type of land formation that it is. 4. How does Haiti being an island make it a perfect place for slavery to flourish? (It is an island so that makes it more difficult for the slaves to try and get away, so they have to stay and work.) 5. How was the fight against slavery, in Haiti, like the fight against slavery in the United States? Accept all reasonable answers. 6. Tell students that you are now going to break them into groups. Three or six groups will be best (since there are three revolutionary leaders), depending on the size of the class. There should be only one to two groups per revolutionary leader. 7. Put the overhead of Appendix G (pg. 1) on the projector and instruct students to take a piece of paper and draw the chart on their paper. On the left side they are to write the name of the leader of the Haitian Revolution that you have assigned their group. Next, as a group, on the right side of the chart they will discuss what they read and make a list of what that individual did to help in the struggle for independence. (Use Appendix G, pg. 2 to help guide the student s work.) 8. Give a specific amount of time to come up with their list. 10 minutes should be enough. When time is up have the group (or teacher) pick one or two spokesmen for their list. Then start with the first revolution leader and have the groups that worked on his information, present some of the information on their list (make sure that every group gets a chance to give input). Continue until a finished chart is on the overhead or board. 9. If the students missed any facts, complete the chart on the overhead so that everyone has a finished chart. Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 7

8 10. Students are to complete their individual charts for their binders. Ask students: Did any of the attempts of these three individuals make the island free? (No, they were still under someone else s rule.) 11. Tell students that you are going to discuss some of the other issues on the island when it finally became independent: (present this information) a. In 1804, When Jean Jaques Dessalines proclaimed the independence of the former French colony, the only people who could read and write were the mulattos. This made it possible for only the mulattos to hold most of the government posts. In 1805, mulattos rewrote the constitution to keep Henri Cristophe, Dessalines second in command, from taking power because he was black. 12. What are some of the reasons that blacks and mulattos had so much trouble getting along? Especially, since both were oppressed by the French and both had hoped for independence. Explain why the mulattos felt that they were better than the blacks. (History shows that people who are different from each other sometimes have a hard time getting along with others. The Mulatto were able to read and the blacks weren t causing them to feel superior. They may have had some of the same opinion as the colonial rulers and since they were considered a lower class themselves they wanted to have some other group that was still lower than they were.) 13. Ask students to take out paper, and tell them that they are going to create their own timeline for events throughout the entire unit. Have them look back at the first section and this section, then list the dates and tell what event happened on the dates listed. The completed timeline will be due at the end of the unit. (A copy of the timeline is found in Appendix F.) 14. Hand out and assign Appendix G for homework. E. Assessment/Evaluation 1. Students will complete the review questions for this section and turn in for grade. (Key on page 2 of Appendix H) Have students place in binder, after grading, for the end of unit review. Lesson Four: Mexico s Fight for Independence (one, possibly two, 70 minute class period) Daily Objectives 1. Concept Objective(s) a. Students will recognize the sanctity of life and the dignity of the individual and understand governmental policies that disregard the value of human life or condone inhuman practices. b. Students will understand cause and effect. Historical events usually have multiple effects, come of which are not recognized until long after the event occurs. c. Students will understand the close relationship between social and political systems. 2. Lesson Content a. Mexican revolutions i. Miguel Hidalgo ii. Jose Maria Morelos 3. Skill Objective(s) a. Students will use chronology to organize historical events and people. b. Students will know how various societies were affected by contacts and exchanges among diverse peoples. Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 8

9 c. Students will understand that societies are diverse and have changed over time. d. Students will know how various systems of government have developed and functioned throughout history. e. Students will know how political power has been acquired, maintained, used, and/or lost throughout history. f. Students will know how societies have been affected by religions and philosophies. B. Materials 1. Pearson History and Geography Textbook (one for each student) C. Key Vocabulary 1. Hacienda a large ranch or plantation in Latin America 2. Padre the Spanish word for father ; a traditional form of address for a Roman Catholic priest 3. Miguel Hidalgo y Castilla priest who started Mexico s fight for independence 4. Mural a large picture that is usually painted directly on the wall of a building 5. Diego Rivera one of Mexico s most famous artists 6. Jose Maria Morelos leader of a guerilla war in southern Mexico 7. September 16 Mexican Independence Day D. Procedures/Activities 1. Have students review why revolutions happen. As a class, briefly discuss what students already know about Mexico and its battle for independence. (Some schools cover this in their Spanish class, so many students will have a great knowledge base) 2. Have students take notes on the following information or provide copies for every student, if time does not allow for extensive note taking. If copies are given be sure to discuss this information as a class. (Notes adapted from Pearson History and Geography Textbook- pg ) a. The revolution in Mexico started with a group called the Literary and Social Club of Queretaro. This group was not a literary group at all, instead the members were plotting a revolution against Spain. b. Indians were not happy because they were forced to work in the big haciendas for little or no pay and they did not have enough land. c. Mestizos were also unhappy because they were very poor and did not have good jobs. In addition, they were looked down on because they were of mixed descent. d. Creoles were unhappy because they were shut out of the most powerful positions in Mexico. The Creoles owned land, were professionals and owned most of the haciendas, but the Spaniards controlled the government. e. Padre Miguel Hidalgo y Castilla was a major member of the Literary and Social Club and a priest in the village of Dolores. Hidalgo would often help the Indians make wine and sell the silk thread from the silkworm cocoons that lived on Mulberry trees. Unfortunately, it was illegal for the Indians to do this because the Spaniards wanted all of the profit for themselves. f. By 1810, Mexico had been under Spanish rule for almost 300 years. g. Hidalgo met with Ignacio Allende and Juan Aldama and they plotted the revolution. The revolution was to begin on October 2, 1810, but the plan was uncovered and several other members of the conspiracy were arrested. The three argued about what to do. Finally, Hidalgo ran outside Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 9

10 and rang the bell in the church tower calling the people. A crowd gathered and Hidalgo told them that it was time to take up arms against the Spaniards and if they threw them out they would have more land and wouldn t have to work on the haciendas anymore. h. The next morning almost 800 men were gathered at Hidalgo s house, it was the morning of September 16 th. This was the beginning of the revolutionary army. i. On September 28 th, with an army of 25,000 rebels they attacked the rich mining city of Guanajuato (wahn uh HWAT oh). The leaders, soldiers, and Spanish citizens turned to the Alhondiga (ahl-ohn-dee-gah), the strongest building in town. The Spanish were well trained and well armed, but there were only a few hundred of them and soon they were no match for the rebels. Almost all of the 500 Spaniards were killed and nearly 2,000 of Hidalgo s rebels died as well. j. Unable to control the army the town was looted and the mob laid waste to the city. This obvious lack of discipline was a problem for Hidalgo. k. The rebels continued to win battles, but hidalgo was warned that the undisciplined army would not be able to defeat a large well-trained Spanish army. l. Hidalgo and his army marched toward the capital, Mexico City, in October. Hidalgo was surprised though as he advanced toward the capital when he learned that not everyone supported the rebellion and many actually disliked him and the destruction that followed his army. m. Hidalgo changed his mind and the army headed for Guadalajara. n. Soldiers started to leave, they found that army life was dull and it was time to plant crops. Without the corn that they plant to eat, the men did not know how they and their families would survive. So when Hidalgo reached Guadalajara, he only had about 7,000 soldiers. o. Here, he was treated like a hero; city leaders greeted him and bands played. p. Hidalgo, Allende, and Aldama gathered more soldiers, trained their army and made cannons and other weapons. But the Spanish army was also getting ready for battle and they soon marched on Guadalajara. q. The rebel army went to meet them. Battle was matched for six hours until a shot hit an ammunition wagon and the field caught on fire. The rebels fled and were captured in an ambush in Saltillo. r. The leaders were tried and sentenced to death. Hidalgo was shot by a firing squad on July 31, s. After Hidalgo many tried to lead the rebellion, but only one stood out, Jose Maria Morelos. t. Morelos felt that the only way to beat the Spaniards was through guerilla tactics. So he led a guerilla was in southern Mexico for five years with a strong army of 9,000 men. Unlike Hidalgo s army, his men were well equipped and well disciplined and so they controlled all of southern Mexico. He wanted the laws to be changed to only allow individuals born in Mexico to hold government offices, equal treatment of all people, and, his most revolutionary idea, that all of the hacienda owners give their land to the workers. This angered the Creoles, because they were the owners of the haciendas. The lack of support from the Creoles was the downfall and after five years of fighting he was captured on November 15, Morelos was shot. Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 10

11 u. The goal of independence had not yet been met and the people were suffering. Crops failed, farmers had left their land to fight, there were bandits, and roads were not kept up and businesses couldn t get products to sell. v. The war did continue. And in 1821, a Spanish officer joined the rebels. Agustin de Iturbine (ah goos TEEN de ee toor BEE day) was accused of misusing army funds and felt that he would be better off with the rebels. He and his army unit joined the rebels and the added strength turned the favor to that of the rebels. w. After eleven years of fighting the rebels marched into Mexico City and declared Mexico a free and independent nation on September 27, 1821, eleven years after the revolution began. 3. Ask students if there are any questions concerning the notes. E. Assessment/Evaluation 1. Ask and discuss the following questions to evaluate the students understanding of the notes that they either just wrote down or those that they discussed. a. Why do you think the Creoles played such an important role in leading the struggle for independence? (The Creoles were well-educated, aristocrats that felt they had as much right to power as the Spanish-born colonists. They were important people, unfortunately, they were denied power, but felt if they could defeat the Spanish then they would have the control.) b. After Hidalgo was executed the struggle for independence changed and the army dwindled, describe these changes and why do you think they happened? (The struggle changed because the little organization that the rebels had fell apart, but it gave them time to realize that they could not be successful in the way that they had been fighting. They started fighting small battles with bands of guerilla fighters.) c. Why did the Mexican war for independence last so long? (Neither the Spanish army nor the Mexican army was strong enough to defeat the other side.) d. Describe what happened that led to the Mexican victory. (The balance of power tipped in favor of the rebels when de Iturbine and his army joined the rebels.) Lesson Five: Simon Bolivar (one 70 minute class period) A. Daily Objectives 1. Concept Objective(s) a. Students will recognize the sanctity of life and the dignity of the individual and understand governmental policies that disregard the value of human life or condone inhuman practices. b. Students will understand the close relationship between social and political systems. 2. Lesson Content a. Liberators i. Simon Bolivar ii. Jose de San Martin 3. Skill Objective(s) a. Students will use chronology to organize historical events and people. b. Students will know how various societies were affected by contacts and exchanges among diverse peoples. Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 11

12 c. Students will understand that societies are diverse and have changed over time. d. Students will know how various systems of government have developed e. and functioned throughout history. f. Students will know how political power has been acquired, maintained, used, and/or lost throughout history. g. Students will know how societies have been affected by religions and h. philosophies. B. Materials 1. Pearson History and Geography Textbook (one for each student) C. Key Vocabulary 1. Liberator a person who frees a country from an enemy 2. Conspirators someone who secretly plans an unlawful action, such as overthrowing the government 3. Simon Bolivar became the leader of the conspirators 4. Royalist someone who supports the rule of a king or a queen 5. Jose Tomas Boves a Spaniard said to be the most bloodthirsty and ruthless leader in any of Spain s wars for independence 6. Volunteer someone who chooses freely to do something, such as joining an army 7. Campaign a series of military operations D. Procedures/Activities 1. Have students take out their maps. Locate South America. Today s focus will be on the struggle for independence in South America. Many of the same reasons that the Mexicans wanted independence and rebelled, were the same reasons that the South Americans rebelled. 2. Instruct students to take out a couple of pieces of paper and their textbook (Pearson History and Geography). Turn to page 218. In this section, instruct students look at the headings in this section. 3. After looking at the headings and making sure that students understand where the headings are found. Students are to look at the headings and write that heading as a question.. Remind students that all questions do not end in a question mark, they can write higher level Bloom s questions that ask them to explain, describe, infer, etc. You requirements for the questions should be based on you student s skill level and your expectations. (Possible questions for this section: Why did Simon Bolivar s marriage end in tragedy? Describe why the rebellion failed. Explain when and how the first Venezuelan republic formed. What made the Earth shake? Explain what War to the Death means. Describe Bolivar s daring plan. Who went on to Bogata? What was Bolivar s dream? Explain how Bolivar s dream ended.) Give only about 10 minutes for students to complete this activity. 4. As a class, go through the headings and the questions that the students have created. You can make a list on the board if you choose (this will help make sure that all students understand and that they have similar questions.) Ask students what they think is the purpose of this activity? (It sets a purpose for reading and helps them understand and retain the material.) 5. After the discussion and creation of the list of questions, instruct students take their list of questions and read the section for the first question. 6. When they have finished reading the section they are to answer their first question based on what they read. Have the students continue to read the section and then answer the question for that section. Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 12

13 7. When the students have finished all of their questions have them discuss the answers to the questions in small groups. Be sure that the students realize that if they have the wrong answer, this is their opportunity to correct it. E. Assessment/Evaluation 1. Quiz covering the first five lessons. Appendix I. Quiz should be given at the beginning of the next class period and graded using Appendix J. Lesson Six: South American Revolutions (one 70 minute class period) A. Daily Objectives 1. Concept Objective(s) a. Students will understand the close relationship between social and political systems 2. Lesson Content a. Liberators i. Jose de San Martin ii. Bernardo O Higgins 3. Skill Objective(s) a. Students will use chronology to organize historical events and people. b. Students will know how various societies were affected by contacts and exchanges among diverse peoples. c. Students will understand that societies are diverse and have changed over time. d. Students will know how various systems of government have developed and functioned throughout history. e. Students will know how political power has been acquired, maintained, used, and/or lost throughout history. f. Students will know how societies have been affected by religions and philosophies. B. Materials 1. One copy for each student of Appendix I 2. Appendix J 3. One copy for each student of Appendix K: South American Revolution Questions 4. Appendix L: Key for South American Revolution Questions 5. Topographical map of South America 6. One copy for each student of Appendix M: Research Project Homework Assignment 7. Pearson History and Geography Textbook (one for each student) C. Key Vocabulary 1. Viceroy a ruler of a colony or territory 2. Militia and army made up of civilians rather than professional soldiers 3. Jose de San Martin principal leader of the revolts against Spain in the southern parts of South America 4. Pension money that is not a salary that is paid regularly to a person who has performed some service or work D. Procedures/Activities 1. Pass out the quiz (Appendix I). Give students a specific amount of time in which to complete the quiz. About ten to fifteen minutes should be sufficient. 2. When the quiz is complete, have students take out their map of South America. You can display one on the overhead or wall if you choose. Ask students; who was the main player in previous lesson? (Simon Bolivar) Identify the countries Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 13

14 that he and his army liberated. (Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru) 3. Have students put their fingers on Chile on the map of South America. Make sure that all of the students know where this country is. 4. Pass out a copy of Appendix K to each student. Read pgs in History and Geography textbook. Depending on the time that you want to allow for the reading, students can read independently, as a class, or for more efficient reading and understanding have students divide into pairs (or teacher pairs them up). Starting with the first person in the pair (students decide), each member of the pair reads a paragraph while the other member of the pair reads along and listens. Students then switch back and forth until they have found the answer to the first question on their set of questions (Appendix K). Students then discuss the information that they just read and develop a thorough answer. Every student must complete their own set of questions for a grade. Make sure that students are aware that their answers do not always have to be the same as their partners. If they think they have a better answer let them know that they should feel free to write that answer. 5. After they have answered the first question, they are to resume reading as pairs, switching off at the beginning of each new paragraph and answering the questions as they go. 6. The pair reading is usually faster than students reading independently and since they are switching back and forth after each paragraph and are responsible for their own answers, they tend to stay more focused than reading as a class. 7. After students have finished reading and answering their questions, complete the following class discussion section. 8. Tell students: a. In 1806, British warships arrived in Buenos Aires, the Spanish viceroy departed, and the people of Buenos Aires mounted a brave defense against the British. How did these events convince the people of La Plata (which is now Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia) to strive for independence? (They felt that since they had defeated the British without the help of Spain that they felt more confident in going against Spain.) 9. After the defeat of the British the Spanish king sent another viceroy to enforce trade rules and deprive the people of their income and make their desire for independence even stronger. Ask: What is your opinion of the Spanish actions? Do you believe that the king was right to enforce trade rules? (Make sure that the students understand what trade rules are.) Should he have let the people of La Plata trade with the British? (Answers will vary. Yes answers should include that relaxed trade rules would discourage rebellion and increase disrespect for Spain. No answers should mention that Spain needed the money and if the colonies traded with the competition why bother having colonies.) 10. Have students look at a topographical map of South America and call on students to create a list of the physical features found between Chile and Peru. After creating the list ask students; what would have been the easiest path for San Martin to take to invade Peru? (By the sea) Now address one of the questions on their worksheet: Explain how San Martin invaded Peru. Why did he choose that path? (Answer can be found in Appendix L.) 11. On the overhead or board write the following events: a. Moreno convinces the city council to remove the king s viceroy. (3) b. Peru declares independence. (6) Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 14

15 c. The Spanish viceroy flees. (2) d. San Martin returns to Europe for good. (7) e. Ten British warships anchor in the bay at Buenos Aires. (1) f. Chile declares independence. (5) g. San Martin returns from Spain to help La Plata. (4) 12. Have students talk in their pairs and put the list in the order in which they happened. As a class, number the events 1-7 in the correct order. 13. Discuss the questions, if there is time. Make sure that all students have completed the assignment and understand the main ideas in this section. 14. Pass out the homework assignment (Appendix M). Assign students to groups (size of the group will depend on class size), give the groups an opportunity to discuss what each member is going to research. 15. As a class, go over the expectations for the project and provide a due date. E. Assessment/Evaluation 1. Students will complete questions from Appendix K these will be graded using Appendix L. Lesson Seven: Brazil (three - four 70 minute class periods) A. Daily Objectives 1. Concept Objective(s) a. Students will recognize the sanctity of life and the dignity of the individual and understand governmental policies that disregard the value of human life or condone inhuman practices. b. Students will understand the close relationship between social and political systems. 2. Lesson Content a. Brazilian independence from Portugal 3. Skill Objective(s) a. Students will use chronology to organize historical events and people. b. Students will know how various societies were affected by contacts and exchanges among diverse peoples. c. Students will understand that societies are diverse and have changed over time. d. Students will know how various systems of government have developed and functioned throughout history. e. Students will know how political power has been acquired, maintained, used, and/or lost throughout history. f. Students will know how societies have been affected by religions and philosophies. B. Materials 1. Appendix M: Research Project Assignment 2. Pearson History and Geography Textbook (one for each student) C. Key Vocabulary 1. Alliance a group of countries that join together to accomplish some goal 2. Joao the prince of Portugal 3. Export something that is sent out of a country 4. Import something that is brought into a country 5. Republic a nation without a king, where elected officials govern 6. Pedro I son of King Joao of Portugal, ruled Brazil from 1821 to 1831 Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 15

16 D. Procedures/Activities 1. Due date and time spent on the research project are at the teacher s discretion. A thorough project should take a couple of days to a week. If there is not time to spend on this in class, make it primarily homework, except for one class period in which the students will need to meet with their groups to put their poster boards together. 2. The next class period, after the students have compiled their information on a poster board, have the groups present the information that they have gathered. 3. After presentations are complete assign the following pages for students to read as homework. Read pages in History and Geography textbook. 4. At the beginning of the final class period for this lesson start with a discussion over the reading assignment. 5. Ask students to describe some of the different things that countries had to do to become independent. (Answers should include; rebels organized themselves against the European countries. Liberators of the country came from inside or outside of the country fighting for independence. The amount of time that it took for a country to become independent varied. It could come quickly or take a very long time. The amount of violence also varied depending on the rebellion.) 6. Why did Prince Joao of Portugal move to Brazil? ( Napoleon demanded that Portugal break off ties with Great Britain, take their property and arrest all British citizens. Joao did not want to do this because Britain was more powerful than Napoleon. Napoleon was not happy with Joao only closing the ports, co he decided to invade Portugal. Joao did not want to follow Napoleon s orders, so he boarded a British ship for South America.) 7. What caused King Joao to return to Portugal? (King Joao loved Brazil and did not want to leave, he had made it the South American center of Portugal, but the people in Portugal wanted to write a new constitution and Joao was in danger of losing his crown if he did not return to Portugal immediately.) 8. Why so you think that Prince Joao loved Brazil so much and what had he done for them? Remind students to think about what they learned from their research that would why tell why Joao loved Brazil. (Joao probably loved the weather in Brazil and since there was more open space it was not as crowded as Portugal. Joao had learned from his experience how bad trade restrictions were for the economy, so he lifted those restrictions in Brazil which helped the Brazilian economy and also encouraged them to develop industry and agriculture.) 9. Why do you think that Joao told Pedro If Brazil demands independence, proclaim it yourself and put the crowd on your own head. (Joao wanted his son to be king and to preserve Brazil the way that he left it. Joao knew that other countries had broken apart when they became independent and he did not want this to happen.) 10. How was the way that Brazil became independent different from the other countries that we have discussed? (Pedro simply tore the Portuguese flag off his uniform and declared Brazil and independent country. Unlike the other struggles for independence there was very little bloodshed, except for a few Portuguese soldiers that tries to keep Brazil for Portugal.) 11. Do you think that this was the best thing to happen to Brazil? Why or why not? (Answers will vary.) 12. Have students take out their list of facts or questions about Mexico and South America. Tell them to look back over their information. Give them the time to make changes to their facts or to answer questions that they wrote down. 13. Assign pages , for students to read for next class period. Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 16

17 E. Assessment/Evaluation 1. Based on reading, discussion and research project, have students write an answer to the following question, using details from this lesson: a. Explain, in detail, why Europeans felt that Brazil was such a desirable place to settle. (Explanation must include at least four pieces of information from the research project) Lesson Eight: Mexico, After Independence (two 70 minute class periods) A. Daily Objectives 1. Concept Objective(s) a. Students will recognize the sanctity of life and the dignity of the individual and understand governmental policies that disregard the value of human life or condone inhuman practices. b. Students will understand cause and effect. Historical events usually have multiple effects, come of which are not recognized until long after the event occurs. c. Students will understand the close relationship between social and political systems. 2. Lesson Content a. Mexican Revolutions i. Santa Anna vs. the United States ii. Benito Juarez iii. Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata 3. Skill Objective(s) a. Students will use chronology to organize historical events and people. b. Students will know how various societies were affected by contacts and exchanges among diverse peoples. c. Students will understand that societies are diverse and have changed over time. d. Students will know how various systems of government have developed and functioned throughout history. e. Students will know how political power has been acquired, maintained, used, and/or lost throughout history. f. Students will know how societies have been affected by religions and philosophies. B. Materials 1. One copy for each student of Appendix N: The Alamo C. Key Vocabulary 1. Caudillo a military dictator in Latin American countries D. Procedures/Activities 1. Students will have read about the situation in Mexico after its Independence, and the trouble that it faced trying to get the country organized and under the control of one government. 2. As a class discuss the following questions: a. Does overthrowing a ruler solve problems or does it cause new problems? (Some will say no, but they all should realize that with new leaders come new and different problems. Many times the main problem that people have with a ruler is solved, but the change in ruler brings a new and different problem) b. What type of problems did the Mexicans face that were because of the rulers of the country? (Students many list several problems. They should Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 17

18 include: lack of unit; trouble forming a stable trustworthy government; the caudillos fought amongst themselves; the Creoles took the place of the Spanish and often refused to treat the mestizos and Indians as equals; rulers spent the country s money and bribery and corruption became a problem; the country ran out of money; the old class system still caused problems.) c. Cuba and Puerto Rico were the only countries still under Spanish rule after 1826, so why did Latin American countries still have terrible problems? (Freedom had yet to be established and justice was based on the class system. One ruling group had been replaced by another causing different problems while not solving problems.) d. Think about Benito Juarez, Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata, and Santa Ana; which were concerned with average Mexicans and their way of life and which were more concerned with themselves and the problems of the wealthy? 1. (Benito Juarez wanted to protect everyone by creating a Mexican constitution. Pancho Villa wanted to protect the poor. Emiliano Zapata fought to give land to the poor Indians. Santa Ana wanted to make himself wealthy and powerful and was dishonest.) e. Explain why Villa and Zapata were successful in what they did? (Villa and Zapata were successful because they worked and fought hard for the land, freedom, and justice for the poor. They were fighting to get the poor what they deserved. Often the two were seen as the heirs of the revolution that was started by Miguel Hidalgo.) f. What were several of the events that occurred during this time period that led to many changes? (The Alamo, Mexican-American War, The Mexican War, creation of the Mexican constitution, Cinco de Mayo.) 3. Give each student a copy of Appendix N: The Alamo. 4. As a class, read the description. 5. Have students take out a piece of paper and quietly re-read the description of what happened at the Alamo. 6. Give directions for the task: a. You are going to re-write history. You have just read what happened at the Alamo, now we are going to switch it around. b. You are telling the story of the Alamo, imagining that the Texans won the battle. Of course, since that did not actually happen you will have to make up the description of what happened. c. When you describe what happened you must remember that the Texans won and the Mexicans lost. The description must be detailed enough so that the reader can see what is happening. d. In addition to the description of what happened, be sure to explain, at the end, what happened to Mexico and Texas after the battle of the Alamo. E. Assessment/Evaluation 1. Students will complete the class discussion and writing an alternate ending to the Battle of the Alamo. VI. CULMINATING ACTIVITY A. Latin America Final Assessment-Appendix P B. Students are to take out their list of facts about Latin America. Have them look the list over and make changes where necessary and add information that they have learned. Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 18

19 1. Tell students to take their completed list and write a brief essay explain what they learned about Latin America and how their opinions and information changed from the original list. Be sure to have them include their original thoughts and what they know now. 2. Have students pull out their timelines. Use Appendix F to go over the timelines as a class. Have students make sure that they have the most important dates. Discuss why many of the dates in the textbook are on their timelines and why many other dates are not. (If you choose to grade this task, focus on the dates that you feel are most important and whether or not the dates are in chronological order.) VII. VIII. HANDOUTS/WORKSHEETS A. Appendix A: Outline Map of Mexico and South America (Lesson One) B. Appendix B: Key of Outline Map of Mexico and South America (Lesson One) C. Appendix C: Colonies in the Americas, 1700 (Lesson One) D. Appendix D: Graph of Latin American Class System: 1700s (Lesson Two) E. Appendix E: Key for Graph of Latin American Class System 1700s (Lesson Two) F. Appendix F: Timeline Example (Lesson Three) G. Appendix G: Review questions for Toussaint L Ouverture and Haiti (Lesson Three) H. Appendix H: Haitian Revolution Leaders Chart (teacher copy only) (Lesson Three) I. Appendix I: Quiz (over Lessons One-Five) (Lesson Six) J. Appendix J: Key: Quiz (Lessons One-Five) (Lesson Six) K. Appendix K: Questions: South American Revolutions (Lesson Six) L. Appendix L: Key: South American Revolutions Questions (Lesson Six) M. Appendix M: Research Project: BRAZIL (Lessons Six and Seven) N. Appendix N: The Alamo (Lesson Eight) O. Appendix O: Unit Vocabulary (used throughout entire unit) P. Appendix P: Final Assessment: Latin American Independence Movements Q. Appendix Q: KEY: Final Assessment: Latin American Independence Movements BIBLIOGRAPHY A. Bell, Madison Smart Master of the Crossroads. New York: Pantheon Books, B. Bell, Madison Smart All Soul s Rising. New York: Pantheon Books, C. Caruso, John A. Liberators of Mexico. P. Smith, 1954 AA-C8377 D. Devarona, Frank Simon Bolivar: Latin American Liberator. Brookfield, Conn: Millbrook Press, E. Gleiter, Jan. Simon Bolivar. Milwaukee: Raintree Publishers, F. Greene, Carol Simon Bolivar, South American Liberator. Chicago: Children s Press, G. Hobbler, Thomas Toussaint L Ouverture. New York: Chelsea House, H. Hamill, Hugh M. Hidalgo Revolt: Prelude to Mexican Independence. University Florida, 1966 AAC-2033 I. Myers, Walter Dean Toussaint L Ouverture: the Fight for Haiti s Independence. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, J.. Mexican War for Independence. San Diego: Lucent Book, K. Rouverol, Jean Pancho Villa: a Biography. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, L. Syme, Ronald Juarez, the Founder of Modern Mexico. New York: Morrow, Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 19

20 M. Streissguth, Tom Brazil in Pictures. Minneapolis, MN, U.S.A.: Lerner Publications, N. Tebbel, John William South by Southwest; the Mexican-American and His Heritage. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1969 DCBN #AAE 5601 O. Wepman, Dennis Simon Bolivar. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 20

21 Appendix A, page 1 Outline Map of Mexico and South America (adapted from Rand McNally Classroom Atlas) Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 21

22 Appendix A, page 2 List of Locations to Identify Instructions: On your map of Latin America locate and label the countries, cities, and important landmarks listed below. Write the name as close to the actual location as possible. Remember: NEATNESS COUNTS and If I can t read it, I can t grade it. Amazon River Andes Mountains Argentina Atacama Desert Bahamas Belize Bolivia Brazil Cape Horn Chile Colombia Costa Rico Cuba Dominican Republic Ecuador El Salvador Falkland Islands (U.K.) French Guiana (France) Galapagos Islands Guadalajara, Mexico Guatemala (Ecuador) Guyana Haiti Honduras Jamaica Llanos (Venezuela) Mexico Mexico City, Mexico Nicaragua Panama Panama Canal Paraguay Peru Puerto Rico (U.S.A.) Amazon Rain Forest Strait of Magellan Suriname Tierra del Fuego Uruguay Venezuela Yucatan Peninsula Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 22

23 Appendix B Key of Outline Map of Mexico and South America (adapted from Rand McNally Classroom Atlas) Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 23

24 Appendix C, page 1 Colonies in Latin America, 1700 (map) (adapted from Pearson Learning History and Geography) Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 24

25 Appendix C, page 2 Colonies in Latin America, 1700 (Outline Map) (adapted from What Your Sixth Grader Needs to Know p. 96) Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 25

26 Appendix D, page 1 Graph of Latin American Class System, 1700s Instructions: Read the following passage and complete the circle graph on the next page. Be sure to write the correct percentage in the correct portion of the graph, complete the key and color the graph. The class system was very important in Latin America. It determined a peoples place in society. Many countries lived by this system for many hundreds of years. The Spanish colonies in Latin America were no different. In the Latin American colonies, individuals that were born in Spain and then moved to the Americas were in the highest class. Spaniards only made up two percent of the population, but had most of the power and ran the government. They were a very powerful group. Creoles were next in line. They were individuals that were born in the Americas, but had parents or ancestors that had been born in Spain. Even though Creoles were not mixed with another race they had less power than the Spaniards and could not hold government office. They were eighteen percent of the population. Thirty percent of the population was made up of Mestizos. They were part Indian and part Spanish; they worked as craftspeople, shop owners, managers in mines or on plantations and sometime held minor positions in the church. The Mestizos lived better than the Indians or slaves, but had little opportunity for improving their lives. Although Indians made up the largest part of the population, forty-five percent, most were poor and had few rights. They worked in mines and on plantations, but many still lived in the mountains, forests and jungles, having little to do with the colonies. Finally the most oppressed, least powerful group of all were the slaves. These were Africans that had been brought, by the Spanish, to the Americas starting in the early 1500s. They made up the remaining five percent of the population. The lower three classes made up the majority of the population, but they were the poorest, least educated and oppressed. Throughout all of the colonies in Latin America the Europeans were at the top of the ladder and the Indians and African were at the bottom (adapted from Pearson Learning History and Geography) Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 26

27 Appendix D, page 2 Graph of Latin American Class System, 1700s (adapted from Pearson Learning History and Geography) Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 27

28 Appendix E Key for Graph of Latin American Class System 1700s (adapted from Pearson Learning History and Geography) Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 28

29 Appendix F, page 1 Timeline Example Teacher: Some of these dates may seem trivial, so it is the teacher s discretion as to which dates will be required. Be sure that the most important are required. Others were not listed, but students might include them. *August 22, 1791 Night of Fire St. Domingue Start of the slave rebellion. * France passes a law freeing all slaves. *1801 Toussaint becomes ruler of Hispanola *January 1, 1804 St. Domingue (Haiti) declared independent *1806 British troops come to Buenos Aires and steal money from their treasury *1810 Chile declared independent, but Spain held power in Santiago *1810 A group of conspirators throw out Venezuela s highest-ranking Spanish officer *September 16, 1810 Mexico s War for Independence starts *1811 Bogata, New Grenada declared independent *July 5, 1811 Venezuela declared independent *July 31, 1811 Hidalgo killed by firing squad *March 26, 1812 Huge earthquake strike Venezuela *February 12, 1818 Spanish troops defeated and ALL of Chile declared independent *1819 Battle of Boyaca *1821- Pedro I declares Brazil independent *1821 Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rico become independent from Mexico *1821 New Grenada becomes Gran Colombia and writes its first constitution *June 28, 1821 Bolivar marches into Caracas *September 27, 1821 Mexico declared a free and independent nation Irturbide declares himself emperor Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 29

30 Appendix F, page 2 *May 24, 1822 Ecuador liberated *December 9, 1824 Peru freed from Spanish rule. *1825 Upper Peru freed and named Bolivia *1830 Gran Colombia breaks up into three countries: Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador. *December 1830 Bolivar dies in Santa Marta *1836 Santa Ana leads a group against some rebellious Texans at the Alamo * Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rico become completely independent provinces after failure to form a group of states modeled after the United States. * Mexican-American War *1857 Mexico s constitution written *May 5, 1862 Mexican force defeats French near Puebla today celebrated as Cinco de Mayo *1864 Maximillian named emperor of Mexico by Napoleon *1910 More revolutions swept through Mexico *1914 Villa and Zapata s armies occupy Mexico City *1916 Pancho Villa and his men kill 16 Americans in Columbus, New Mexico *1920 New government establishes law and order in Mexico *1923 Pancho Villa shot to death (adapted from Pearson Learning History and Geography) Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 30

31 Appendix G, page 1 Review Questions for Toussaint L Ouverture and Haiti Instructions: Answer the following questions on a separate piece of paper. Be thorough in your answer, include details from the text. 1) Describe the Night of Fire and explain its importance in the history of Haiti. 2) Explain how slaves came to be on the island of St. Domingue. 3) List three reasons why the slaves would have wanted to rebel. 4) Was Boukman and the slaves uprising effective (did it get the desired results)? 5) Who was Toussaint L Ouverture and how was he important to the struggle for independence? 6) Identify and describe how Toussaint used to win many of the battles against the French. 7) When the French fleet, lead by General LeClerc, Napoleon s brother-in-law, what did Toussaint do in preparation of their arrival? Do you believe that this was the best plan? Why or why not? 8) Create an alternate plan for Toussaint that you think might have worked better. 9) Who was Jean Jacques Dessalines? What role did he plan in the struggle for liberation? 10) Choose two people mentioned in this section and create a Venn diagram to compare and contrast the two. (adapted from Pearson Learning History and Geography) Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 31

32 Appendix G, page 2 KEY: Review Questions for Toussaint L Ouverture and Haiti Instructions: Answer the following questions on a separate piece of paper. Be thorough in your answer, include details from the text. 1) Describe the Night of Fire and explain its importance in the history of Haiti. August 22, 1791, 50,000 slaves moved across the Plain du Nord killing and torturing plantation owners and setting fire to their houses, barns and crops. It is important because this is the first step that the slaves and other lower classes took towards liberating themselves from the Spanish. 2) Explain how slaves came to be on the island of St. Domingue. In the eighteenth century, thousands of Africans were captured and taken to North and South America and the Caribbean. There they were bought and put to work clearing forests and planting crops for the plantation owners. 3) List three reasons why the slaves would have wanted to rebel. The slaves were not there by choice, but were forced into their situation. The slaves had very few rights. The slaves were controlled by the French and had no control over their own life. 4) Do you think that Boukman and the slaves uprising was effective (did it get the desired results)? Student responses will vary. Accept all answers that are supported by details from the text that backup their opinion. 5) Who was Toussaint L Ouverture and how was he important to the struggle for independence? Toussaint L Ouverture was a slave that had been taught how to read and write in French and Latin. He had also been taught to use plants and herbs for healing. When Toussaint joined the revolution he was a doctor, but soon was made a commander of the army. Toussaint is responsible for the army being trained, drove out the Spanish, improved the economy, and kept the army prepared. 6) Identify and describe how Toussaint used to win many of the battles against the French. Toussaint organized guerrilla armies that would attack the French when they least expected it. Because Toussaint and the guerrillas would attack and then disappear into the forests and mountains, the French were unable to catch him. 7) When the French fleet, lead by General LeClerc, Napoleon s brother-in-law, what did Toussaint do in preparation of their arrival? Do you believe that this was the best plan? Why or why not? Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 32

33 Toussaint reinforced forts, purchased weapons from the United States, had trenches and pits dug in the forest and drafted any male twelve and older. When the French landed, he had his army burn everything so that the French would not capture it. Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 33

34 Appendix G, page 3 (Accept students opinion on the quality of Toussaint s plan, if they provide adequate details from the text.) 8) Create an alternate plan for Toussaint that you think might have worked better. Accept all thought out alternate plans. 9) Who was Jean Jacques Dessalines? What role did he plan in the struggle for liberation? Dessalines had been brought from Africa as a slave and took over after the leadership of the former slaves after Toussaint was captured. Not only did he want the slaves to be free, but he desired independence for St. Domingue. He lead the slaves until the French left, after many died from Yellow Fever, declared St. Domingue independent and changed the name to Haiti. Dessalines became a dictator and then proclaimed himself Emperor. He was eventually murdered. 10) Choose two people mentioned in this section and create a Venn diagram to compare and contrast the two. Students choice for completion of the Venn diagram. (adapted from Pearson Learning History and Geography) Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 34

35 Appendix H Haitian Revolution Leaders Chart (teacher copy only) Leader Boukman Toussaint L Ouverture Jean Jacques Dessalines Role in the Struggle for Independence * Voodoo priest that led the ceremony that started the Night of Fire * Inspired his followers and gave instructions * Led 50,000 slaves in an uprising across the Plain du Nord * Led the slaves that killed plantation owners and soon controlled the countryside * Started the 13 year struggle to create Haiti * Killed in battle in the north * Served as a doctor in the slave revolt because of his knowledge of healing * Urged the leaders to teach the troops to stop destroying things they would need for themselves, like crops * Made a commander * Taught the soldier discipline and trained them like a professional army *Organized a guerrilla army that attacked the French when least expected * Always ready to tend wounds and injuries *Won several victories over the French * Several towns surrendered to the rebels because Toussaint promised to treat them well * Joined the Spanish and won several battles for them * Rejoined the French and drove the Spanish troops from St. Domingue * Created a separate government and negotiated treaties with Britain and the United States * Wrote a constitution that declared slavery ended forever * Became ruler of the island of Hispanola * Led forces against Napoleaon army led by LeClerc * Captured and died in a cold, damp prison * Former slave wanted to make St. Domingue independent * Continued with Toussaint s orders to burn farms rather than be captured by the French * Declared St. Domingue independent on January 1, 1804 * Named the country Haiti * Became a dictator, then named himself Emperor Jacques I * Murdered in 1806 by people who were unhappy with his control Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 35

36 Appendix I Quiz (Lessons One-Five) Name: Date: Instructions: On a separate piece of paper, answer the following questions. Be sure to answer in complete sentences. 1) Explain what Latin America is and where it is located. 2) Countries experience name and size changes for many reasons. List at least three reasons these changes occur. 3) What were some of the reasons for the revolutions that came from the rigid class system? 4) In your opinion, who was the most important leader in the revolution in Haiti? Be sure to include examples of why you think this. 5) Describe the end of the Mexican war for independence. Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 36

37 Appendix J Key: Quiz (Lessons One-Five) Name: Date: Instructions: On a separate piece of paper, answer the following questions. Be sure to answer in complete sentences. 1) Explain what Latin America is and where it is located. Latin America is located south of the United States and includes Mexico, all of the countries of Central America, and the continent of South America. It is called Latin America because the languages that are spoken in Latin America all originated from Latin. 2) Countries experience name and size changes for many reasons. List at least three reasons these changes occur. Countries change size and name for many reasons, these reasons include the country being taken over by another country, those who take it over change the name, and revolution brought on by an unfair government. 3) The rigid class system in Latin America led to the revolutions. Explain at least two of the issues among the classes that created the problems. Answers may include: The slaves in the lower class were unhappy that they had to do all of the work and had very few rights. The Creoles were wealthy and well-educated, but could not hold the best government jobs since they went to the individuals born in Spain. People in the lower classes were unhappy, poor and not treated fairly and the upper classes were afraid that someone would come along and take away their rights and privileges. 4) In your opinion, who was the most important leader in the revolution in Haiti? Be sure to include examples of why you think this. Students should base their opinion on facts that they compiled in their chart containing Boukman, Toussaint L Ouverture, and Jean Jacques Dessalines. 5) Describe the end of the Mexican war for independence. After Hidalgo was executed the fighting turned to guerrilla fighting. This type of fighting was more effective, but neither the Spanish nor the Mexicans were strong enough to win the war, until Iturbine left the Spanish army, joined the rebels with his unit and marched into Mexico City, declaring Mexico free and independent. Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 37

38 Appendix K Questions: South American Revolutions Instructions: Read the assigned section and answer the following questions on a separate Be sure to include information from the text. 1) The Spanish viceroy left Buenos Aires when the British warships anchored in the bay. Explain what the citizens of Buenos Aires did in response to this problem. 2) It took several events for the citizens of Buenos Aires to decide that they did not need the Spanish government to run their country. Describe what those events were and explain what happened that made the people decide to break free of Spain. 3) La Plata includes many countries that exist today, what are those countries and how did they react when Moreno was named the leader of the cabildo? 4) Describe Jose de San Martin s experience and tell why he made one of the best leaders of the revolution. 5) San Martin made a daring plan to enter Chile and defeat the Spanish. Describe the plan. Is this plan similar to another plan that you read about in a unit at eh beginning of the year? Which plan? 6) Do you think San Martin s plan was a good plan? Why or why not? 7) San Martin was an ambitious man, who had many plans for helping the people of La Plata, liberating Peru, and working with Simon Bolivar, but he achieved few of these things. Why do you think he was unable to complete all of these tasks? Was it his all his fault or do you believe that others should be blamed for much of his failure? Why? 8) San Martin and Bolivar dreamed of uniting all of the Spanish colonies in South America. Is this a realistic dream? Think about what South America looks like now, are all of the countries in South America currently united? Why? Create a dream that might have been more realistic. Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 38

39 Appendix L, page 1 Key: South American Revolutions Questions Instructions: Read the assigned section and answer the following questions on a separate Be sure to include information from the text. 1) The Spanish viceroy left Buenos Aires when the British warships anchored in the bay. Explain what the citizens of Buenos Aires did in response to this problem. After the British stole the money from the treasury and sent it back to Great Britain, the citizens of Buenos Aires formed a militia to resist the British invasion. With 8,000 militia and 1,000 Spanish soldiers they drove off the British. When the British returned with more ships and men, the citizens were ready and again defeated the British. 2) It took several events for the citizens of Buenos Aires to decide that they did not need the Spanish government to run their country. Describe what those events were and explain what happened that made the people decide to break free of Spain. First the Spanish viceroy fled the country when the British arrived, not wanting to stay and fight for the country. Then Spain sent a viceroy that would not let the people trade and make money. And finally, the people were quite unhappy when Napoleon s brother was put on the throne of Spain and the people lost their king, so they decided that they wanted to become independent and govern themselves. 3) La Plata includes many countries that exist today, what are those countries and how did they react when Moreno was named the leader of the cabildo? La Plata included the countries of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia and they believed that Moreno was a man capable of strong leadership. 4) Describe Jose de San Martin s experience and tell why he made one of the best leaders of the revolution. Jose de San Martin was one of the best leaders of the revolution because he had a strong, indescribable draw to the country and he felt the people needed him. He had years of experience that include being an officer in the Spanish army, and fighting in several wars (including the war against France when Napoleon invaded Spain). 5) San Martin made a daring plan to enter Chile and defeat the Spanish. Describe the plan. Is this plan similar to another plan that you read about in a unit at the beginning of the year? Tell how the two plans are similar. San Martin plan started with him pretending to be sick in which he became governor of an area close to the Chile border, sent spies into Chile with false information and told the Indians of the area about a plan to cross the mountains through their land (which they told the Spanish, in Chile). Finally he took 4,000 soldiers, 10,600 mules, 1,600 horses and 700 head of cattle and cannons and crossed the Andes Mountains near a 22,800 foot mountain. This path, from the east, was the most difficult to take and so the Spanish did not expect it. A perfect surprise attack. Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 39

40 Appendix L, page 2 6) Do you think San Martin s plan was a good plan? Why or why not? Answers will vary, accept all answers that are supported with information from the text. 7) San Martin was an ambitious man, who had many plans for helping the people of La Plata, liberating Peru, and working with Simon Bolivar, but he achieved few of these things. Why do you think he was unable to complete all of these tasks? Was it his all his fault or do you believe that others should be blamed for much of his failure? Why? Many of the tasks that San Martin dreamed of completing were possible, but since many of the areas he was trying to liberate did not want to help or support him in this battle, very few of them were successful. 8) San Martin and Bolivar dreamed of uniting all of the Spanish colonies in South America. Is this a realistic dream? Think about what South America looks like now, are all of the countries in South America currently united? Why? Create a dream for San Martin that might have been more realistic (must address the liberation of South America). There are many answers to this question. Accept all if they are supported by information from the text. South America is not united. Each country has its own government. Created dreams will vary, but all must deal directly with San Martin and his desire to liberate South America. Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 40

41 Appendix M Research Project: BRAZIL The purpose of this research project is to practice teamwork, research skills, and to give students a better picture of the part of the world they are learning about. 1. Students are to get into their assigned groups. 2. Look at the list below, discuss each topic- what should we look for and how much and what kind of information is required. 3. Divide the list up among group members. One member of the group will make a list of topics assigned to each member of the group (Hand in to teacher before end of class.) 4. Begin research. 5. Have all research, pictures, information, etc. finished and with you in class on. 6. As a group, you will work together to create a poster board. Include information (written or typed neatly to add to board), pictures, charts, graphs, etc. Make the board as attractive and organized as possible. 7. Group will present their information on. List of topics to research: 1. Animals 2. Plants 3. Minerals 4. Major cities 5. The Amazon 6. The rain forest 7. Natural resources 8. Economics 9. Size and location 10. Cultures 11. Interesting facts (those not addressed in topics above) 12. Other topic (suggest a topic not listed. Must have teacher approval before starting research!) You will be graded on effort, visuals, research, presentation, and poster board appearance. Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 41

42 Appendix N The Alamo In December 1835, at the beginning of the Texas war for independence, a detachment of Texas volunteers drove a Mexican force from San Antonio and occupied the Alamo. Some Texan leaders, including Sam Houston, counseled the abandonment of San Antonio as impossible to defend with a small body of troops available, but the volunteers at the Alamo refused to retire from their exposed position. On February 23, 1835, a Mexican army, numbering about 4,000 and commanded by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana, arrived from south of the Rio Grande and immediately began a siege of the Alamo. The defending force was a small body of about 180 men commanded by Colonels James Bowie and William B. Travis and including the renowned Davy Crockett. These men and the others wanted Texas to be independent from Mexico. For 12 days they held out, but on the morning of March 6 the invaders stormed through a breach in the outer wall of the courtyard and overwhelmed the Texans. Santa Ana had ordered that no prisoners be taken, and the defenders were all slain. The invaders suffered heavy casualties, with the number killed reliably estimated at from 1,000 to 1,600. These casualties and the time lost in reducing the Alamo dislocated Santa Ana s campaign long enough to permit Houston to perfect plans for the defense of Texas. The Alamo became for Texans a symbol of heroic resistance in the cause of freedom and inspired their battle cry Remember the Alamo. The Texans were driven after the Alamo, they were determined to beat the Mexican army and eventually defeated Santa Ana and gained their independence. (adapted from Encyclopedia Britannica) Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 42

43 Appendix O, page 1 Unit Vocabulary Night of Fire 50,000 slaves killed landowners and burned their plantations; the beginning of the rebellion Alliance- a group of countries that join together to accomplish some goal Cabildos the government of a city in Latin America; the city council Campaign- a series of military operations Caudillo- a military dictator in Latin American countries Conspirators- someone who secretly plans an unlawful action, such as overthrowing the government Creoles people who were born in America but whose parents or ancestors had been born in Spain Diego Rivera- one of Mexico s most famous artists Export- something that is sent out of a country Guerilla army a group of soldiers who usually are volunteers and not highly trained, professional soldiers Hacienda- a large ranch or plantation in Latin America Import- something that is brought into a country Indians the original people of the land; made up the majority of the population Jean Jaques Dessalines- main leader of the former slaves, gave the island the name Haiti and soon became dictator Joao- the prince of Portugal Jose de San Martin- principal leader of the revolts against Spain in the southern parts of South America Jose Maria Morelos- leader of a guerilla war in southern Mexico Jose Tomas Boves- a Spaniard said to be the most bloodthirsty and ruthless leader in any of Spain s wars for independence Liberator- a person who frees a country from an enemy Machete- a large, heavy knife used for cutting down sugarcane and brush Maroons- escaped slaves Mestizos people who were part Indian and part Spanish Miguel Hidalgo y Castilla- priest who started Mexico s fight for independence Militia- and army made up of civilians rather than professional soldiers Mulattos people of mixed race usually French fathers and black slave mothers mural- a large picture that is usually painted directly on the wall of a building Padre- the Spanish word for father ; a traditional form of address for a Roman Catholic priest Pedro I- son of King Joao of Portugal, ruled Brazil from 1821 to 1831 Pension- money that is not a salary that is paid regularly to a person who has performed some service or work Plantation a large farm Republic- a nation without a king, where elected officials govern Royalist- someone who supports the rule of a king or a queen Scythe- a long, curving blade used for cutting grain and long grasses September 16- Mexican Independence Day Simon Bolivar- became the leader of the conspirators Slaves African who had been brought by the Spanish since the early 1500s Toussaint L Ouverture- born a slave, was later taught to read, write and use herbs for healing, freed by the manager of the plantation in which he lived. He led the rebellion and later helped create a separate government. Later died in a prison in Switzerland. Viceroy- a ruler of a colony or territory Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 43

44 Appendix O, page 2 Volunteer- someone who chooses freely to do something, such as joining an army Voodoo- an ancient religion that began in Africa and was brought to the Caribbean by slaves. Today it is blended with Catholicism and has both the African and Catholic spirits. Followers usually attend both a Catholic church and a Voodoo temple. In the temple, a priest or priestess, through song and prayer, invoke spirits that possess the believers and cause trancelike behavior. Yellow Fever- a deadly disease the kills 85 percent of the people infected. Its symptoms are chills and fever, aches and pains, and nausea. It causes internal bleeding, which is what leads to death. In 1900, the Panama Canal could not get underway until they did something about the mosquitoes that caused Yellow Fever. The United States eliminated stagnant, standing water and destroyed the trees that mosquitoes live in. A vaccine was later developed and today Yellow Fever is very rare. Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 44

45 Appendix P Final Assessment: Latin American Independence Movements Instructions: Take out two pieces of lined paper and the map of Latin America that was labeled at the beginning of this unit. Part A: Matching Directions: Write the letter of the statement that best describes or defines the word. 1. Creoles a. a large farm 2. Mestizos b. Africans who had been brought by the Spanish, starting in the 1500s 3. Indians c. something that is brought into the country 4. Slaves d. a nation without a king, where elected officials govern 5. Cabildo e. a person who frees a country from an enemy 6. Guerilla army f. something that is sent out of a country 7. Yellow Fever g. the government of a city in Latin America; the city council 8. Hacienda h. a group of soldiers who usually are volunteers and not highly trained professional soldiers 9. Liberator i. the original people of the land; made up the majority of the population 10. Viceroy j. a military dictator in Latin American countries 11. Import k. a large ranch or plantation in Latin America 12. Export l. people who were born in America but whose parents or ancestors had been born in Spain 13. Republic m. a deadly disease, spread by mosquitoes, that kills eighty-five percent of the people infected 14. Caudillo n. people who were part Indian and part Spanish 15. Plantation o. a ruler of a colony or territory Part B: Fill in the Blank Directions: Fill in the blank of each sentence with a name from the list below. Toussaint L Ouverture Miguel Hidalgo y Castilla Prince Pedro Benito Juarez Simon Bolivar Pancho Villa Jose de San Martin Jose Maria Morelos Emiliano Zapata Santa Ana Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 45

46 Appendix P, page 2 1. led the slaves in their quest for independence on the island of St. Domingue (Haiti). 2. Once a cattle rustler, eventually became a guerrilla leader, waging war on Mexico s government. 3. After Hidalgo s death, continued to lead those willing to fight against Spanish control of Mexico. 4. tore the Portuguese flag off his uniform and declared Independence or death. 5. Known today as the Father of Mexican Independence, gathered an army of Indians to fight against the Spanish for the control of Mexico. 6. was a guerrilla leader from the south of Mexico. 7. Honored today as the man who saved Mexico s independence, was president of Mexico and helped create Mexico s constitution of Known throughout South America as the liberator, helped liberate Venezuela, New Grenada, and Ecuador, but was unable to liberate Peru. 9. was the principal leader of the revolts against Spain in the southern parts of South America. 10. Ruler of Mexico eleven different times in thirty years, is best known for beating some rebellious Texans at the battle at the Alamo a mission in San Antonio, Texas. Part C: Map Questions Directions: Use your map of Latin America completed at the beginning of the unit to answer the following questions. 1. Which country appears to be the largest in Latin America? 2. Which two countries touch Mexico s southern border? 3. Name two outstanding physical features located in South America 4. List the seven countries that make up Central America. 5. Through which countries does the Amazon River flow? Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 46

47 Appendix P, page 3 Part D: Short Answers Directions: On a sheet of lined paper answer the following questions in complete sentences and with as much detail as possible. 1. Explain what was the main cause of the revolutions in Latin America. 2. Explain who Toussaint L Ouverture was and why he was important. 3. On September 16, 1810, Hidalgo decided to speak out against the Spanish, explain why he did this and what were the effects. 4. Mexico declared itself independent in the early 1800s, but was not truly independent until the early 1900s. Explain one reason why it took so long for Mexico to establish itself as a stable, united nation. 5. Describe what happened at the Alamo. What started it? What were the end results? 6. In your opinion, do you think that the methods used by the people in South America were the most effective? Did they have any other way of breaking free from the countries that controlled them? Explain your answer using details from the unit. Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 47

48 Appendix Q, page 1 KEY -- Final Assessment: Latin American Independence Movements Part A: Matching 1. l 2. n 3. i 4. b 5. g 6. h 7. m 8. k 9. e 10. o 11. c 12. f 13. d 14. j 15. a Part B: Fill in the Blank Directions: Fill in the blank of each sentence with a name from the list below. 1. Toussaint L Ouverture 2. Pancho Villa 3. Jose Maria Morelos 4. Prince Pedro 5. Miguel Hidalgo y Castilla 6. Emiliano Zapata 7. Benito Juarez 8. Simon Bolivar 9. Jose de San Martin 10. Santa Ana Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 48

49 Appendix Q, page 2 Part C: Map Questions Directions: Use your map of Latin America completed at the beginning of the unit to answer the following questions. 1. Brazil 2. Guatemala and Belize 3. Andes Mountains, Amazon Rain Forest, Amazon River, Atacama Desert (list two) 4. Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama 5. Peru and Brazil Part D: Short Answers Directions: On a sheet of lined paper answer the following questions in complete sentences and with as much detail as possible. 1. The Latin American revolutions were started by the fact that the Spanish imposed a strict class system. The Spanish had the rights and the lower classes and no rights and were not treated well. This made them very unhappy. 2. Toussaint was a former slave that became involved in the struggle for independence on the island of St. Domingue (Haiti). He became a leader and was instrumental in defeating the French and eventually gaining independence for the country. 3. Hidalgo was very sympathetic towards the Indians, he felt that they were treated badly, and felt that they should be free from the oppression of the Spanish. The affects of this were that hw was able to raise a large rebel army, but there not well trained and experienced limited success. They were unable to beat the trained and well-armed Spanish. Hidalgo was captured and executed. 4. Answers can include: corrupt leaders ruling; there was no agreement on the division of power between the states and federal government; no unity among the Spaniards; consistent power of the Mexican army; the presence of caudillos; unnecessary or unwise decisions that resulted from poor leadership, specifically Santa Ana s. 5. The Alamo was a mission in San Antonio, Texas, a group of rebellious Texans were held up there and Santa Ana attacked. This was an attempt to deter the Texans. Santa Ana won the battle, but the Texans became more rebellious and they eventually lost the Mexican-American War. 6. Student answers will vary. This is an opinion based question, but make sure that students have explained their answer using some of the details that were covered in the unit. Sixth Grade, Latin American Independence Movements 2004 Colorado Unit Writing Project 49