Latin American Agrarian Structure and Oligarchic Power

Agrarian Structure: Latifundio and Smallholdings

The estates (latifundios) were large tracts of land of colonial heritage. Their owners were the proprietors of these vast areas used for the marketing and exporting of their products. In contrast, smallholdings (minifundios) were plots whose output was not profitable enough for commercialization, serving instead for peasant subsistence and cheap sales to large traders.

Oligarchic Domination and Social Order

The American revolutions were led by Creole sectors of urban oligarchies (the elite) and the light-skinned elite. Many states were established under oligarchic domination, implementing modernization programs that gained momentum and defended economic liberalism. Regarding the political aspect, they avoided suffrage for the peasant masses and maintained control through the transmission of office, systematic fraud, and violence.

The Ruling Classes

The ruling classes were composed of farmers who had joined capitalist forms of production for raw materials and foodstuffs, as well as those who controlled credit and those engaged in foreign trade.

The Subordinate Sectors

The subordinate sectors were composed of the vast majority, including rural workers and marginalized laborers. All political and economic decisions were made for the benefit of available capital; these sectors had only their labor to offer for what they needed.

Rural Resistances and Indigenous Revolts

Conflicts in rural areas were carried out by indigenous groups stripped of their lands. Revolts occurred due to the advance of plantations onto community lands or because of increasing taxes. They reclaimed the lands that belonged to their ancestors.

Middle Class Demands and Political Reform

Voter fraud and the failure to join candidate lists led the middle sectors to mobilize. They managed to organize political parties and expose corruption, seeking to transform many aspects of the social order by means of arms, though they were usually violently repressed by dominant sectors.

Working Class Struggles and Labor Rights

Poor nutrition, low wages, poor hygiene in the workplace, and inadequate housing were the reasons the working class began to organize to fight for their rights. This gave rise to unions and workers' parties. These groups resorted to strikes; while oligarchic sectors responded with increased repression, the magnitude of labor unrest led to significant changes. Social laws were adopted, including the reduction of working hours, the regulation of female and child labor, and the payment of compensation for accidents.