Latin American Peoples Win Independence

European Empires: 1660s

Latin American Revolutions!

16c-18c: New Ideas Brewing in Europe

Early Struggles in Latin America The Enlightenment and the American and French revolutions inspired some in Latin America to seek greater freedom. Saint Domingue (of Caribbean island Hispaniola) was the first Latin American territory to break ties with EuropeSaint Domingue (of Caribbean island Hispaniola) was the first Latin American territory to break ties with Europe Had been one of France’s richest possessionsHad been one of France’s richest possessions Prosperity built on slave labor in which masters use brutal methodsProsperity built on slave labor in which masters use brutal methods French Revolution had dramatic effect on islandFrench Revolution had dramatic effect on island Revolution in Haiti ( ) Former slave Toussaint L’Ouverture led revolt against French mastersFormer slave Toussaint L’Ouverture led revolt against French masters By 1801 he freed all enslaved AfricansBy 1801 he freed all enslaved Africans In 1802, French troops imprisoned L’OuvertureIn 1802, French troops imprisoned L’Ouverture Jean-Jacques Dessaline declared Haiti an independent country in 1804Jean-Jacques Dessaline declared Haiti an independent country in 1804 Toussaint L’Ouverture

Latin America Socially Divided Social class, based on race & ethnicity, dictated people’s place in society At top of society were peninsulares = born in Spain - Tiny % of popul., could hold high gov’t office Second to the top were the creoles = Spaniards born in Latin America - No high gov’t office, but could rise as officers in army Third were the mestizos = persons of mixed European and Indian ancestry Fourth were the mulattos = persons of mixed European and African ancestry - Also included African slaves Indians were at the bottom of the social ladder

Revolutions in Venezuela, Ecuador, & Peru Creoles were least oppressed, but best educatedCreoles were least oppressed, but best educated –Learned of Enlightenment ideas & Revolutions Creoles felt no loyalty to French king (Napoleon)Creoles felt no loyalty to French king (Napoleon) –When king deposed, power should shift to the people (Locke)

Creoles Lead Independence  Simón Bolivar  Wealthy Venezuelan creole  Spent time in Europe and the newly-independent United States  Called “Libertador” (liberator)  Led volunteer army of revolutionaries in struggle for independence  Won Venezuela’s independence in 1821

Creoles Lead Independence  José de San Martin  Argentinian military officer  Won Argentina’s independence in 1816  Led army against Spanish forces to free Chile  Partnered with Bolivar to drive Spanish forces out of Peru  Decisive victory at Battle of Ayacucho in 1824  Future countries of Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, & Ecuador united into Gran Colombia

Simón Bolivar Meets José de San Martin

Bolivar & San Martin Fight for Independence!

Mexico Ends Spanish Rule Ethnic & racial groups mixed freelyEthnic & racial groups mixed freely –Indians & mestizos led revolution Padre Miguel Hidalgo, priest of village of Dolores, called for rebellion against the Spanish in 1811Padre Miguel Hidalgo, priest of village of Dolores, called for rebellion against the Spanish in 1811 –grito de Dolores (cry of Dolores) –Defeated by Spanish army & creoles in Mexico city Padre José María Morelos led revolution for four more years but was defeated in 1815Padre José María Morelos led revolution for four more years but was defeated in 1815

Mexico Ends Spanish Rule Turning point in 1820 when revolution in Spain put liberal group in powerTurning point in 1820 when revolution in Spain put liberal group in power Mexico’s creoles united in support of Mexico’s independence from SpainMexico’s creoles united in support of Mexico’s independence from Spain Agustín de Iturbide (who had defeated Morelos), proclaimed Mexico’s independence in 1821Agustín de Iturbide (who had defeated Morelos), proclaimed Mexico’s independence in 1821

However… Before the Mexican revolution, Central America was part of New SpainBefore the Mexican revolution, Central America was part of New Spain –Declared independence from New Spain and from Mexico as well Iturbide refused to recognize this independence, but was overthrown in 1823Iturbide refused to recognize this independence, but was overthrown in 1823 Central America declared its absolute independence from Mexico and became known as the United Provinces of Central AmericaCentral America declared its absolute independence from Mexico and became known as the United Provinces of Central America –Future countries of Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica

Brazil’s Royal Liberator Independence occurred w/o violence or bloodshedIndependence occurred w/o violence or bloodshed When Napoleon’s army approached Portugal, the prince and royal family escaped to Rio de Janiero in BrazilWhen Napoleon’s army approached Portugal, the prince and royal family escaped to Rio de Janiero in Brazil After Napoleon’s defeat, the royal family went back to Portugal except for Dom Pedro, who stayed in BrazilAfter Napoleon’s defeat, the royal family went back to Portugal except for Dom Pedro, who stayed in Brazil In 1822, Brazilians demanded independence from Portugal and petitioned for Dom Pedro to rule BrazilIn 1822, Brazilians demanded independence from Portugal and petitioned for Dom Pedro to rule Brazil Sept. 7, 1822 – Dom Pedro declared Brazil’s independenceSept. 7, 1822 – Dom Pedro declared Brazil’s independence Flag of the Empire of Brazil, Pedro de Alcântara Francisco António João Carlos Xavier de Paula Miguel Rafael Joaquim José Gonzaga Pascoal Cipriano Serafim de Bragança e Bourbon

Latin American States After the Revolutions