Platt Revolutions by Gunnar Platt

1821 Mexican Flag

28plattgunnar — 2024-10-15 16:57:20 UTC

1871 German Flag

28plattgunnar — 2024-10-15 16:58:11 UTC

1822 Brazilian Flag

28plattgunnar — 2024-10-15 16:58:36 UTC

Mexican Independence 1821

28plattgunnar — 2024-10-15 17:07:13 UTC

Mexico celebrates its 212th Independence Day on September 16, commemorating Father Miguel Hidalgo's call for freedom in 1810. The struggle for independence lasted over a decade, concluding in 1821. Traditional festivities begin on September 15, with officials reenacting the Grito. The significance of this day resonates deeply within Mexican culture, particularly in communities across borders. Celebrations in Spokane include a cultural event with food and music at Riverfront Park.

German Independence 1871

28plattgunnar — 2024-10-15 17:08:24 UTC

In the 19th century, Germany saw the rise of nationalism amid its fragmented states, influenced by the Holy Roman Empire's decline. The Napoleonic Wars fostered unity among German speakers, leading to the formation of the German Confederation. However, rivalries between Prussia and Austria hindered effective governance, prompting calls for unification. Bismarck's leadership and wars against Denmark and Austria ultimately solidified Prussia's dominance, culminating in the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871. This new empire upset the European balance of power, leading to Bismarck's efforts to maintain stability.

Brazilian Independence 1822

28plattgunnar — 2024-10-15 17:10:59 UTC

During the Napoleonic Wars, the British helped the Portuguese royal family escape to Brazil, leading to Brazil's rise in the Empire. King John VI initially stayed in Brazil to suppress independence movements but returned to Portugal in 1822 after a liberal revolution. His son, Pedro, declared Brazil's independence after the Cortes attempted to reduce his powers. The conflict saw the Portuguese surrendering territories while civil war erupted in Portugal. Ultimately, Pedro abdicated in favor of his son amid regional tensions and wars.

Map of Brazil from 1822

28plattgunnar — 2024-10-17 16:45:48 UTC

Map of Germany From 1871

28plattgunnar — 2024-10-17 16:46:21 UTC

Map of Mexico From 1821

28plattgunnar — 2024-10-17 16:46:59 UTC

Romanticism Mexico 1821

28plattgunnar — 2024-10-17 17:04:57 UTC

Impressionism Germany 1871

28plattgunnar — 2024-10-17 17:05:56 UTC

Realism Brazil 1822

28plattgunnar — 2024-10-17 17:06:40 UTC

Mexican Unification Leader Article

28plattgunnar — 2024-10-17 17:10:51 UTC

The first Mexican Empire, led by Agustín de Iturbide, was a brief and tumultuous period following Mexico's independence, marked by deep political divisions between monarchists and republicans. After Iturbide's abdication in 1824, the newly adopted republican constitution struggled amid economic challenges and political instability, characterized by shifting power between Centralists and Federalists. Antonio López de Santa Anna became a dominant figure during this time, navigating conflicts over Texas that ultimately led to the Mexican-American War and the significant loss of territory through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. In the aftermath, a new generation of leaders, notably Benito Juárez, sought reforms through La Reforma, aimed at abolishing special privileges for the church and military, culminating in the 1857 Constitution that promoted greater equality and democratic governance, but also sparked civil strife as conservative factions resisted these changes.

German Unification Leader Article

28plattgunnar — 2024-10-17 17:11:32 UTC

The German Empire was established on January 18, 1871, after Prussia's victories in the wars against Denmark, Austria, and France, emerging from diplomatic agreements among state leaders rather than popular nationalist movements. At its founding, the empire spanned 208,825 square miles with a population of over 41 million, predominantly Protestant. Governed under a constitution designed by Otto von Bismarck, the empire featured a bicameral legislature with the Reichstag, elected by universal manhood suffrage, and the Bundesrat, representing the 25 states; however, the Reichstag's power was often undermined by reliance on military budgets and the influence of the upper house. Political tensions arose from the disparities between the Prussian and imperial electoral systems, leading to a conservative majority in Prussia and growing opposition from the Catholic Centre Party and the left-leaning Social Democratic Party (SPD). In response to these challenges, Bismarck launched the Kulturkampf, a campaign against political Catholicism, aiming to reduce the Centre Party's influence, ultimately highlighting the political fragmentation that would plague the empire until its dissolution in 1918.

Brazilian Unification Leader Article

28plattgunnar — 2024-10-17 17:12:04 UTC

Brazil's journey from colonial rule to the early 20th century was marked by significant political and social transformations. Gaining independence from Portugal in 1822, Brazil initially prospered under the reign of Dom Pedro II, who implemented crucial reforms and oversaw economic growth despite ongoing challenges related to slavery. The complete abolition of slavery in 1888 reflected growing social changes but also contributed to dissatisfaction with the monarchy, leading to its overthrow in 1889. The early republican era was dominated by coffee-producing elites, which resulted in limited democracy and corruption. Economic instability during the Great Depression fueled military discontent, culminating in a revolt led by Getúlio Vargas, who became president in 1930. Vargas's authoritarian regime initiated significant social and economic reforms, and Brazil aligned with the Allies during World War II, but he was ultimately forced to resign in 1945 due to concerns about his consolidation of power.