Angela Batallas- A Parallel to Latin American Independence

The story of Angela Batallas duels as a message of social justice, as well as a parable for political independence. Batallas, a female slave in Quito, beseeched the liberator Bolivar to help grant her freedom from her oppressor and the father of her child. This relationship could be seen to symbolize the connections of the colonizers to the colonized in Latin America during this time period. Angela Batallas also appeared to have a strong sense of self as well as the audacity to speak beyond her station; these qualities are similar to those of the fighting oppressed in colonization. Furthermore, Batallas had the inner will to fight for her freedom, which is the most important parallel of the separate battles.

The colonizers took control of the terrain in which the inhabited, seized the land and over powered the political structures that were already functioning in each region. After the initial phase of infiltration a relationship emerged between the Indians and the Spaniards. These relationships were perfidious, to phrase it mildly, yet the importation of Africans proved to be much harsher. The Spaniards eventually lost connection with the motherland and became Peninsulares. The same can be said for the Africans that found themselves in Latin America, they too transformed from their traditional African nature into a cross cultural society with Christian influences.

The largest connection between these two situations can be expressed through the story of Batallas. In the case of the slaves, the connection is clear. Yet the connection with the Independence movement may need further clarifications. The Peninsulares in the parable are represented by Batalles, ironically her oppressors. The Spanish are the slave owners. In the case of slavery, one is being exploited for a service, and in the case of colonization Spain was extracting goods from the colonies with little consideration for the population. In this case the elite became inspired by revolutionary ideals. In the case of Batallas, she received a letter from the liberator but also fought in court for her own freedom.