1. Independence Movements in Latin America

2. Simon Bolivar

3. Educated in Europe and inspired by Enlightenment Ideas
Motivation to Lead
Educated in Europe and inspired by Enlightenment Ideas
Wanted to end Spain’s unfair treatment of natives in Venezuela

4. Important Contributions
Known as El Libertador (The Liberator)
Military Leader who led independence movement in Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, and others
Wanted to establish a united country in South America similar to the U.S. but it failed

5. Other facts: Called the “George Washington of South America”
In nearly every town plaza in South America, there is a statue of Bolivar

6. Miguel Hidalgo

7. Motivation to Lead
Catholic Priest who wanted to end the unfair treatment of the poor in Mexico (mainly natives)

8. Important Contributions
Raised an army of over 90,000 poor farmers
Army was untrained and easily defeated by Spanish
Executed by firing squad and then beheaded

9. Other facts: Hidalgo is known as “The Father of Mexican Independence”
His head was displayed for over 10 years as a warning against further revolution
Every year on September 16th, Mexican Independence Day, they reenact the ringing of the church bell by Hidalgo

10. Jose Morelos

11. Motivation to Lead
He was also a Catholic Priest who was inspired by Father Hidalgo
He took over revolution movement after Hidalgo’s execution

12. Important Contributions
Successfully organized and trained rebel army in Mexico
Led army to series of victories against Spanish
Captured in battle and executed by firing squad before Mexico won independence

13. Other facts:
Many areas in Mexico are named after him
His picture is often used on currency (money) in Mexico, mainly the 50-peso note

14. Agustin De Iturbide

15. Motivation to Lead
Member of the Criole class in Mexico
Sided with Mexico during fight for independence because he wanted more power

16. Important Contributions
Successfully defeated Spain and gained Mexico’s Independence
Wanted to keep Mexico a Monarchy, but give rule to native Mexican people
He was exiled and executed for treason by Congress, who wanted more democratic government

17. Credited as the person who designed the Mexican flag
Other facts:
Credited as the person who designed the Mexican flag

18. Dom Pedro

19. Motivation to Lead
Portuguese soldier who sided with Brazil during independence movement
Wanted to keep Brazil’s autonomy (freedom from control)

20. Important Contributions
Successfully defeated Portugal’s armies in Brazil
Wanted to keep a Monarchy in Brazil
Abdicated (gave up) his thrown over pressure to establish democracy and inability to stop uprisings from democratic supporters in Brazil

21. Other facts:
Remains were moved and buried in Brazil to honor the 150th anniversary of it’s Independence