Latin American Independence Inspired by Enlightenment, American and French Revolutions

Latin American Colonies Spanish held power in Caribbean islands Mexico Central America South America Very rigid European control; social classes determined by race (see diagram in notebook, p. 83)

“First Upheavals” Tupac Amaru—a mestizo who led a rebellion in Peru --unsuccessful; he was executed In Colombia, criollos/creoles also rebelled against Spanish unsuccessfully; leaders were executed

Haiti (French Colony) Vincent Ogé—wanted to apply Declaration of the Rights of Man to Haiti—tortured to death

Haiti Colony produced great wealth for France with sugar plantations Toussaint L’Ouverture—former slave, led a SUCCESSFUL slave rebellion Only successful slave rebellion ever Haiti gained independence by 1804 L’Ouverture captured and died in prison

South America (1808-1824) Simón Bólívar—inspired by American and French Revolutions to fight for independence from Spain Fought and won independence for Gran Colombia (Panama, Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia)

(South America Cont’d) ● José de San Martín—led fight for independence for Argentina; ● To remain free, also pushed Spanish out of Chile and Peru with Bólívar’s help

Mexico Unrest in Spain because of Napoleon’s wars in Europe gave Mexicans a “window of opportunity” In 1810, Miguel Hidalgo (a priest)—organized revolt of Indians and Mestizos against Spanish rule Revolt was unsuccessful and he was executed

Mexico (cont’d) Padre José Morelos, also a priest, took control of revolt with a trained army. He created a congress and wrote a declaration of rights. He was captured and killed.

Creoles (who held power) and church officials feared losing their position/power/ property In 1821, Agustín Iturbide took control and defeated Spanish Mexico became independent with the Treaty of Cordova. Iturbide was proclaimed emperor. At that time, Mexico included Central America.

Central America Formed the Federal Republic of Central America in 1823 Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica Fell apart 1838-40 when Nicaragua tried to separate from the rest

Brazil (1822) Portuguese royal family fled to Brazil to escape Napoleon’s armies When they returned to Portugal, king intended for Brazil to return to colony status Pedro I—son of Portuguese king—declared independence for Brazil Bloodless revolution Pedro I became Emperor of Brazil

Latin American independence was inspired by the Enlightenment, American and French Revolutions Took about 25 years Cuba and Puerto Rico remained under Spanish control