Chapter 12, Section 4 Independence

Toussaint L’Ouverture (too SAN loo vehr TOOR) Toussaint L’Ouverture, a former slave who led the people of Saint-Dominque (Haiti) in the fight for independence. Toussaint L’Ouverture (too SAN loo vehr TOOR)

The “Night of Fire” was the beginning of the first great fight for freedom in Latin America. The slaves were tired of being mistreated so they rebelled and burned every piece of white-owned property they could find. They eventually won after 10 years of fighting and founded the independent country of Haiti in 1804. Night of Fire

A revolution is the overthrow of a government, with another taking its place. 1770s and 1780s: British colonies in North America freed themselves from Britain’s rule 1789:The people of France staged a violent uprising against their royal rulers. These two revolutions inspired ideas of independence for people across Latin America By 1825, most of Latin America was independent and were no longer ruled by Europe. Revolution

A criollo had Spanish parents, but had been born in Latin America. often the best-educated and wealthiest people had little political power Many attended school in Europe There, they learned about the ideas that inspired revolution in France and the United States. Criollos liked the idea that people had the right to govern themselves They wanted independence from Spain but power for themselves. However, they were frightened by the slave revolt in Haiti Criollo (kree OH yohz)

Miguel Hidalgo, a criollo priest, began planning a Mexican revolution in 1810. In September 1810, the Spanish government discovered Hidalgo’s plot. Miguel Hidalgo

Before authorities could arrest him, Hidalgo took action. He wildly rang the church bells in the town of Dolores. This call for revolution became known as the “Cry of Dolores” “Recover from the hated Spaniards the land stolen from your forefathers” The “Cry of Dolores”

Augustín de Iturbide was a high ranking Spanish officer who joined the rebels after Hidalgo’s death. He was a criollo and an army officer Many people believed that he would protect their interests and they trusted him. In 1821, Itrubide declared Mexico independent. Agustín de Itrurbide

Simon Bolivar vs. Prince Ferdinand One of South America’s most important revolutionary leaders Born in Venezuela in 1783 The heir to the Spanish throne. *When Bolivar was at school in Spain, he played a game similar to present-day badminton with the prince. Custom required that Bolivar show respect for the prince by losing. Instead Bolivar played hard to try and win and he even knocked the prince’s hat off with his racquet. Bolivar refused to apologize. Many years later they would face off again. Simon Bolivar vs. Prince Ferdinand

Simon Bolivar “The Liberator” The next time Bolivar and Ferdinand faced off again, Bolivar knocked Spanish America right out from under Ferdinand’s feet. Bolivar joined the fight for Venezuela independence in 1807. Six years later he became their leader By 1822, his troops had freed a large area from Spanish rule This newly liberated region formed Gran Colombia. Bolivar became their president. Simon Bolivar “The Liberator”

Jose de San Martin was another important South American revolutionary leader. Argentine man, who lived in Spain and fought for the Spanish Army. Helped Argentina gain independence. In 1817, Martin led his soldiers through high passes in the Andes in Chile in order to take the Spanish by surprise. In a matter of months, Spain was defeated and San martin declared Chile’s independence. In July of 1821 Martin planned another surprise attack on the Spanish. This time he came from the sea and seized Lima, Peru. Jose de San Martin

Portugal’s colony, Brazil, became independent without fighting a war. When French armies invaded Spain and Portugal in the early 1800s, Portugal’s royal family fled to Brazil. The king returned to Portugal in 1821 but his son, Dom Pedro, stayed in Brazil to rule the colony. Dom Pedro took more power than his father expected, and he declared Brazil independent in 1822. Brazil

Bolivar’s dream of uniting South America was found to be impossible. Latin America was a huge area It is divided by the Andes and dense rain forest The leaders in Gran Colombia wanted little to do with Bolivar Caudillos were military officers who ruled very strictly. Bolivar was in poor health and retired from politics. He cared about the people he governed but the caudillos did not. The caudillos only wanted to stay and power and get rich caudillos