Lals 071 Final Paper

Throughout Latin America’s rich history, the Catholic Church has played a significant role in shaping the social, political, and cultural dynamics of the region. In effect, the Catholic Church was integral part of the Spanish Empire during the exploration, conquest, and colonization of the indigenous people across Latin America. However, the role of the Catholic Church’s power and hierarchy was interpreted differently across various historical figures. First, in his primary documents, Tupac Amaru defends and upholds the main principles of the Catholic Church believing it to be just, unifying force against the tyranny of the Spanish. Still, people like Morelos and Iturbide perceived the Catholic Church playing a part in the political instability leading to the Mexican Revolution. Further analysis of these different cases will highlight the transformation of the relationship between the Church and the State in response of emerging social rebellions.

Tupac Amaru was the leader of the Peruvian indigenous rebellion in 1780 against the Spanish. Although he was unsuccessful and later executed, Amaru became representative for the Peruvian struggle for independence and indigenous rights. Moreover, Amaru was a wealthy, indigenous nobility member who received a Jesuit education. Given his mixed heritage and position of power, Amaru perceived the center of legitimacy to be held within the people of Peru against the tyranny of the Spanish empire who frequently abused natives. Although he focused on empowering indigenous people, he sought the support of the Criollos to overthrow the Spanish. Although the Catholic Church was understood at that to be an integral part of the Spanish Empire, he respect this institution and made sure to follow its rules. For example, after being excommunicated for having set fires to public chapels, which he had previously removed sacrament via priest, Amaru stated that “I only want to liberate my people from tyranny and make sure that the...