15.4 Latin Americans Win Independence Spurred by discontent and Enlightenment ideas, peoples in Latin America fight colonial rule.

Spanish American Revolutions Inspired by the North American, French, and Haitian Revolutions Inspired by the North American, French, and Haitian Revolutions Intellectuals had become familiar with ideas from the European Enlightenment Intellectuals had become familiar with ideas from the European Enlightenment

Why did they revolt? They became increasingly upset with: They became increasingly upset with: Trade restrictions  could only trade with the “motherland”Trade restrictions  could only trade with the “motherland” High taxes they had to payHigh taxes they had to pay Rigid colonial social structure that limited rights and privileges for many peopleRigid colonial social structure that limited rights and privileges for many people

Colonial Society Divided A Race and Class System A Race and Class System Latin America has social classes that determine jobs and authorityLatin America has social classes that determine jobs and authority Peninsulares—born in Spain, they headed colonial governments and society Peninsulares—born in Spain, they headed colonial governments and society Creoles—American-born Spaniards who can become army officers Creoles—American-born Spaniards who can become army officers Mestizos—have both European and Native American ancestry Mestizos—have both European and Native American ancestry Mulattos—have both European and African ancestry Mulattos—have both European and African ancestry Slaves and Native Americans are at the bottom of society Slaves and Native Americans are at the bottom of society

Spanish American Independence Latin Americans took action and started working toward independence when Napoleon invaded Spain and Portugal in 1808 Latin Americans took action and started working toward independence when Napoleon invaded Spain and Portugal in 1808 Royal authority in disarrayRoyal authority in disarray NOW would be the time to gain independenceNOW would be the time to gain independence Almost every Spanish American colony had achieved independence by 1826Almost every Spanish American colony had achieved independence by 1826

Creoles Lead Independence  Simón Bolivar  Wealthy Venezuelan creole  Called “Libertador” (liberator)  Led volunteer a army of revolutionaries in struggle for independence from Spain in Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.

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.

Simón Bolivar Meets José de San Martin

Mexico Ends Spanish Rule A Cry for Freedom A Cry for Freedom Padre Miguel Hidalgo— priest who launches Mexican revolt (1810). 80,000 Indian and Mestizo followers march on Mexico City Jose Maria Morelos— leads revolt after Hidalgo ’ s defeat, but loses. Both Hidalgo and Morelos were executed.

An artistic representation of the execution of Jose Maria Morelos in 1815.

Mexico Struggles for Freedom An alliance of Church leaders and Creole elites raised an army and stopped this “radical” peasant rebellion An alliance of Church leaders and Creole elites raised an army and stopped this “radical” peasant rebellion They brought Mexico to a more controlled independenceThey brought Mexico to a more controlled independence

Mexico Ends Spanish Rule Mexico ’ s Independence Mexico ’ s Independence Iturbide (a Mexican General) declares Mexico independent from Spain (1821)Iturbide (a Mexican General) declares Mexico independent from Spain (1821) Iturbide reigns briefly as emperor until March In 1823 Mexico becomes a Republic.Iturbide reigns briefly as emperor until March In 1823 Mexico becomes a Republic. Agustín de Iturbide

Iturbide is credited with designing the first Mexican flag. ( ) Today ’ s Flag of Mexico The tri-color flag is still used, and the presence of the eagle is also used in the modern flag of Mexico used since 1968.

Brazil’s Royal Liberator Portuguese prince Dom Pedro accepts Brazilian ’ s request to rule their own country He officially declares Brazil ’ s independence (September 1822) By 1830, nearly all of Latin American regions win independence Pedro I of Brazil

Flag of the independent Empire of Brazil under Pedro I

Latin America After Independence In 1823 U.S. President James Monroe issued the Monroe Doctrine. The doctrine stated that the U.S. would not interfere in European affairs or with Europe’s remaining colonies in the Western Hemisphere. But, It would oppose any attempts by European nations to take back former colonies, create new ones, or Interfere with any government in the hemisphere.