Independence Movements in Latin America

What nations controlled most of Latin America between the 1500s and the 1800s? European nations such as Spain, Portugal and France controlled much of Latin America.

What was the social order in many Latin American colonies? Peninsulares Creoles Mestizos Native Americans Mulattos African slaves

Peninsulares They made up the smallest percentage of the population in Latin America, but they held the highest political positions in society. They were wealthy Spanish-born citizens.

Creoles They were Spaniards who were born in Latin America. They could not hold political office, but they could be officers in the army. Peninsulares and creoles held most of the wealth, power, and land in Latin America. What do you think will happen when creoles read about the Enlightenment?

Creoles led the independence movements in Mexico and South America. The creoles were upset that Napoleon replaced the King of Spain with his brother, Joseph Bonaparte. They did not want to answer to a Bonaparte, but rather be ruled by their own people. This is another example of nationalism.

Mexican Independence This movement was led by mestizos. Why do you think mestizos would fight against peninsulares and creoles?

Mexican Independence Hidalgo led an army of the lower classes. They marched to Mexico City where they were defeated. Hidalgo was executed.

What was the result of the Mexican revolution led by Miguel Hidalgo?

Mexican Independence Mexico finally achieved independence in 1821 when creoles rebelled against Spain. The creoles made Agustin de Iturbide the Emperor of Mexico.

In 1823, Central American countries declared their independence from Mexico.

How do you think South Americans view Simon Bolivar?

Nationalism in South America Spanish colonies wanted independence. Simon Bolivar was a creole who led independence movements. He began in Venezuela (his home country). He later freed Colombia and Ecuador.

Why would Simon Bolivar want to join forces with Jose de San Martin?

Nationalism in South America Bolivar met up with Jose de San Martin, who freed Chile. They combined their forces to drive the Spanish out of Peru.

Nationalism in South America Bolivar wanted to unite the South American colonies into one country called Gran Colombia. Political differences led to the colonies becoming independent nations.

Why do you think there was a revolution in Haiti?

The Haitian Revolution Haiti (formerly Saint-Dominigue) is the western third of the island of Hispaniola. It was a French colony. The majority of the population was slaves who were treated brutally.

The Haitian Revolution Toussaint L’Ouverture led a revolt of 100,000 slaves. By 1801, L’Ouverture gained control of the island and freed the slaves.

The Haitian Revolution The next year, France attempted to regain control of Haiti. L’Ouverture was captured and he died in a French prison. The French were unable to regain control. Haiti declared its independence in 1804. The Haitian Revolution was a successful slave revolt.

How would the Napoleonic Wars in Europe create the opportunity for Latin American nations to gain independence?