Around 1850, following independence movements, many Latin American countries officially adopted the metric system to modernize administration and trade. This aligned with international scientific trends and replaced colonial Spanish units. The shift facilitated economic development, cross-border cooperation, and standardized knowledge dissemination in the region.

The adoption of metric systems in Latin America in 1850 supported nation-building narratives in poetry and prose. Poets like José Martí utilized these changes to reflect on themes of identity and progress, intertwining cultural and political aspirations in their works.