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South America and the power of steam

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Foreign affairs and diplomacy, The National Archives

The independence of South America bought an influx of opportunities for commerce and investment from Europe and North America. Everyone wanted a piece of the newly opened continent. Merchants, industrialists, and entrepreneurs arrived to make their fortunes.
Why could South America not follow European and North American railway expansion to modernise the infrastructure and open access to the remote country?

British diplomacy and the independence of South America

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Foreign affairs and diplomacy, The National Archives

The independence of many South American countries from Spanish and Portuguese rule followed uprisings and wars from 1806 to the mid-1820s. British diplomacy in the independence of South America was, generally, about trade. Britain was an ally with Portugal and …