Latin America Independence

Recap: Spain and Portugal colonized in 1500’s English and French colonized in North America Spain colonized in Caribbean, Mexico, and South America Portugal - Brazil

Nationalism in Latin America First revolt: 1791 – Haiti Toussaint-Louverture led slaves against French Grandson of African King Born into slavery Not accepted by Napoleon Tricked T-L into giving himself up Taken to France Died in 1803 Haiti free in 1803

Mexican Independence People in Mexico watched other countries revolutions - a political movement in which people overthrow the government 1770’s - American Colonies 1789 - French Revolution 1790’s - Haiti (France) Criollos - had Spanish parents, born in Latin America Few had any political power Wanted to govern themselves

“Cry of Dolores” 1810 - Miguel Hidalgo - Criollo priest in town of Dolores. Another priest: Morelos helped 80,000 followers, Won some victories, but were soon retreating. Was captured and killed by firing squad Hidalgo started the revolution, started that way of thinking.

Independence finally comes… Small rebel groups kept fighting even after their leaders were executed. Iturbide joins the rebels High ranking criollo in Spanish Army. Many people viewed Iturbide differently than Hidalgo They began to suppoprt the rebellion 1821 - Iturbide declared Mexico independent

South American Independence Simon Bolivar - born in Venezuela - joined the fight for independence in 1804. By 1822 his troops freed much of the northern part of S.A. - Bolivar was its President. Soon turned his attention south toward Peru.

S.A. Independence Jose de San Martin - Spanish Army, Argentina 1817 - Took his soldiers over the Andes into Chile. Defeated the Spanish within months By 1821 turned his attention to Peru Attacked Lima, by sea. Caught Spanish off guard

S.A. Independence One year later, San Martin met with Bolivar No one knows what was talked about… San martin gave up his command and left Bolivar to continue the fight on his own. Bolivar drove the remaining Spanish out of S.A. By 1825, only Cuba and Puerto Rico were still ruled by Spain

Brazil’s Independence Became independent without fighting a war. In 1800s Portugal's royal family fled war in Portugal - came to Brazil They returned in 1821, but the king left his son (Dom Pedro) to rule the colony. He declared Brazil independent, three years later Portugal agreed to the independence

Latin American Challenges Many countries fought over how their countries should be governed Many nations ended up poor. Bolivar wanted South America to become “ONE” united country - “Gran Columbia” Made up of Columbia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama Did not accomplish, geography played big role in downfall Many leaders were “caudillos” Military officers who ruled strictly Wanted power and to get rich, didn’t care about the people