What does it mean to be modern?
Is it modern fashion and infrastructure? Modern laws and practices, like the abolition of slavery? Maybe it’s having international relations, or perhaps it’s even creating a new identity.
For the nineteenth century all these factors converged and sparked conflict as historical actors engaged with an emerging modernity in a region we now call in Latin America.
Welcome to "An Archival Journey Through Latin American Modernity," where we embark on a compelling exploration of Latin American history, culture, and identity through a selection of archival documents whose originals can all be found at the Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection at the University of Texas at Austin.
In the spring of 2024, students in our class conducted research in the Benson Library and selected these specific items because they help reveal relatively untold stories about the 19th century in the region.
The resulting exhibit delves deep into pivotal moments, demonstrating how the struggle for independence from Spain, foreign intervention, governmental and religious influence, and technological advancements shaped the modern landscape and global connections of Latin America.
This exhibit, as we’ve titled it, is a journey. We recommend you view the exhibit chronologically according to the order of our curated features. Regardless of the order, we invite you to embark on a journey that will deepen your understanding of Latin American modernity.