Essay on Violence A Means to an End - 2095 Words

Violence: A Means to an End? The use of violence to further various political and social movements occurs throughout Latin America and its history. Its long-term effectiveness in a social context, however, is dubious. Although many of these revolutions proved initially successful in accomplishing their stated purpose, especially in the political arena, eventually the drastic changes cause regression or create a sort of culture of instability within the nation. The Haitian Revolution and the Mexican War of Independence exemplify this standard. Seen as huge successes in their time, these historical revolutions have caused deterioration in the current state of affairs in the respective nations. Despite the lasting changes they have†¦show more content†¦In the cases that these campaigns do not kill the movement, the dissidents are only made stronger. In order to foment social change and break free from oppression, the lower classes have historically attempted to arm themselves and fight to the death for their cause. Toussaint Louverture aroused his fellow Haitians around the cause of independence, and led them in a revolt against their French masters, and managed to make Haiti the â€Å"first free black republic in the world and the second independent nation in the Americas,† in 1804.1 This victory resulted in a heady feeling of triumph over their success in lessening the power of the three main colonial powers—Britain, France, and Spain—in Latin America. 2 This initial feeling of glory only lasted for several decades, however, until the first crippling blow was dealt Haiti. An unanticipated and unfavorable turn of events in 1825 would chain Haiti to France once again, as France called for reparation payments to be made to former slaveholders.3 Payment of this approximately $21.7 billion debt lasted until th e 1950s, and these years of subservience undoubtedly contribute to Haiti’s status as one of the poorest and most underdeveloped nations in the word. 4 The forces of change that propelled the nation forward came quickly to a halt, therefore preventing any further progress. Despite the original success of a violent slave revolt, unforeseen consequences resulted that not only effectively reversedShow MoreRelatedNon Violence : Both Ends And Means939 Words   |  4 PagesNon-violence: both ends and means (66) In this passage, Gandhi talks about what non-violence means to him. In his reading, he talks about the importance of non-violence in resisting injustice. 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