1. Revolts Against Metternich’s System

2. The Latin American Revolutions (1810-1821) Background- with Spain involved with the Napoleonic Wars, the Spanish colonies of Latin America claimed their independence. They thereafter repelled Spanish attempts to regain control. Important figures- Jose de San Martin, Bernardo O’Higgins, and Simon Bolivar-the George Washington of Latin America.

3. Present day Latin America

4. Jose de San Martin Fought for independence in Argentina, Chile, and Peru

5. Bernardo O’ Higgins Fought for independence in Chile

6. Simon Bolivar Fought for independence in Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Bolivia, and Ecuador.

7. “The George Washington of Latin America” Bolivar honored in Venezuela

8. Reaction Britain- opposed any plan to re-colonize Latin America. Mainly because they had established profitable trade with an independent Latin America. The United States- had similar motives as Britain, as they shared in profitable trade. The U.S. passed the Monroe Doctrine, which stated: 1. The Western Hemisphere was closed to further colonization, and 2. Any European attempt to intervene in Latin America would be an act against the U.S. Reactionaries in Europe- feared British Naval superiority and recognized the Monroe Doctrine, therefore they abandoned any attempt to reclaim the colonies.

9. Significance Latin American Independence was a breach in the Metternich System, and inspired other people seeking democracy and independence.

10. Examples Greece (1821-1829)-Fought and achieved independence from the Moslem Turks. Revolutions of 1830-1832 –In France- success in replacing Charles X as king with Louis Phillippe, a limited monarch (see 25-3 handout), sparked revolution all over Europe. In Belgium, Italy, and Poland nationalists fought for independence. However they were brutally crushed by the Quadruple Alliance.

11. End of Metternich: The Revolutions of 1848 In 1848, revolution once again erupted in Europe. France, Austria, Italy, and Germany all saw nationalistic groups take up arms to put down the oppressive Metternich system. Although mainly unsuccessful, the revolutions brought on the downfall of Metternich and led to many liberal reforms in Europe.