Discussing various aspects of the culture of Latin America, it is important to pay attention to the fact that it has been influenced by various philosophies for centuries under colonial government. Despite the fact that after the Latin America became free from such significant influence, impact of the tendencies remained and it turned out that French liberalism and English liberalism were the most powerful philosophies to influence culture of the countries of Latin America (Latinamerica history).
The countries of Latin America struggled to have their democratic governments established, and here the influence of liberalism is clearly seen. According to Locke, it was aim of the government to create security and liberty for people, while for Rousseau the function of the state was to create harmony and unity among people.
While both philosophies were tended to be used by some European countries, such tendency was not possible in the countries of Latin America, but instead these gave rise to caudillos, who were charismatic leaders.
Usually caudillos came to power using violence or some illegal actions. However, they were very educated people and they had deep knowledge in theology and law. They could be distinguished between individuals who saw advantages of social liberalism and free market. Caudillos were populist and strong leaders; they obscured the whole decision between the state and the government.
European encroachment had a significant impact on the countries of Latin America. It is necessary t mention the fact that the influence was of the two-fold type. While people of Europe and Latin America received some benefits form introduction of new technology and usage of some resources, indigenous people had to pay for them.
As a consequence, disease and forced labor eradicated many of the indigenous civilizations and the countries of Latin America faced a significant culture loss. Later they became dependent upon Europe both culturally and economically, so the Europeans enacted liberalism in order to promote some democratic values. At the same time people of Europe saw caudillos as attack on values and traditions of liberals and aristocrats (Schwaz, 2011).
References
Latinamerica history. Retrieved from HYPERLINK "http://www.dosmanosnederland.com/en/aboutlatinamerica/history/" http://www.dosmanosnederland.com/en/aboutlatinamerica/history/
Schwaz, S. (2011). Philosophies that influenced Latin America. Retrieved from HYPERLINK "http://sternenfeeinflorida.wordpress.com/2011/11/04/philosophies-that-i nfluenced-latin-america/" http://sternenfeeinflorida.wordpress.com/2011/11/04/philosophies-that-in …