After the wars of independence in the mid-1820s, Latin American countries were still legally colonies of European states. economically dependent on external states. socially dependent on welfare state funding. lacking in native cultural elements.

After gaining independence in the mid-1820s, many Latin American countries found themselves grappling with economic dependency on former colonial powers and external states for trade, investment, and financial support. This lingering dependence often hindered their ability to fully develop self-sustaining economies, leading to cycles of poverty and instability. Socially, these nations faced substantial challenges as they needed to establish their own identities, governance structures, and cultures, often influenced by colonial legacies. While they experienced a surge in nationalism and a revival of indigenous cultural elements, the need for social infrastructure, education, and public welfare often left them reliant on foreign aid and intervention to address pressing societal needs.