Historia de la condición indígena en la región de Cuenca, época republicana: (1857-1895)

Abstract

The present research, entitled “Historia de la condición indígena en la región de Cuenca, época republicana: (1857-1895)” (History of the indigenous condition in the region of Cuenca, republican era: (1857-1895), seeks to reconstruct the history of minorities, that is; the history of those who have been forgotten by traditional historiography. Such is the case of the indigenous people who are part of our cultural identity. In the creation of the republic there is an apparent change of ideology with the slogan of "liberty, equality and citizen rights", based on these parameters were made constitutions and political reforms which practices were skewed since the majority of the indigenous population were left out of any benefits. In the second half of the nineteenth century, the unity of the State-Church was reaffirmed, strengthening the regionalism represented by the terrateniente oligarchy of the highlands, based on conservative ideals while facing the liberal ideals of the agro-exporting coast, a situation that defined the situation of the indigenous within the Ecuadorian society. The social situation of the country was not alien to Cuenca because the most important processes that sealed the history of Ecuador are: the abolition of the Indigenous Personal Contribution or tribute in 1857, the progressive thinking of 1884 and the radical liberal revolution of 1895, remained only as hopes for the indigenous population. From the legal point of view, they were understood as inclusion. However, in real-life, indigenous populations were actually excluded. This research aims to discover, analyze and describe the condition of the indigenous people from a new integrative vision, highlighting their participation and relationship with the State, as well as economic, social and political aspects from 1857-1955. It is important to acknowledge the condition of the indigenous population in order to revalue their history. The study was made using primary sources, complemented with secondary sources to obtain a product that is closest to historical reality.