Slavery in Latin America Between the 1500s and the 1800s millions of Africans were captured, shipped across the Atlantic Ocean, and sold as slaves in the Americas.

10 to 20 Million Enslaved Brazil Spanish Empire Caribbean North America .5 – 1 million

Triangular Trade Triangular trade is a historical term indicating trade among three ports or regions, in the shape of a triangle. (Europe, Africa, and the Americas)

Triangular Trade First leg of triangle, ships carrying European goods to Africa to be exchanged for slaves. Second leg, Middle Passage, brought Africans to Americas to be sold. Third leg carried American products to Europe.

Triangular Trade Route Europe Manufactured goods (beads, cloth, guns) The Americas Cotton, sugar, tobacco, molasses, rum Africa slaves

Languages of Latin America There are two main languages spoken throughout Latin America Portuguese- Brazil Spanish- in most other countries

Latin America Independence Simon Bolivar Miguel Hidalgo Toussaint L’Ouverture

Revolutions Begin Revolutionary ideas took hold in Latin America as colonies fought for independence from Europe. The revolutions in the United States and France led to other independence movements around the globe.

Miguel Hidalgo The head figure and chief instigator of the Mexican Independence movement was Father Miguel Hidalgo, the priest of the small town of Dolores. Soon after becoming a priest, Hidalgo began to promote the idea of an uprising by the native and mixed-blood peasantry against wealthy Spanish land-owners and aristocrats.

Miguel Hidalgo During his seven years at Dolores, Hidalgo promoted discussion groups at his house where natives, mestizos(mixed), criollos(low class Spanish commoners), and peninsulares(high class Spanish commoners) were all welcomed. The independence movement was born out of these informal discussions and was directed against Spanish domination of political and economic life in New Spain.

Miguel Hidalgo Their plans were disclosed to the central government. On September 16, 1810, Hidalgo decided to strike out for independence. The independence forces marched on to Mexico City. Despite some victories along the way, they lost momentum and failed to take Mexico City.

Miguel Hidalgo After a few more victories, the revolutionary forces moved north toward Texas. In March of the following year, the insurgents were ambushed and taken prisoner. Hidalgo was tried as a priest by the Holy Office of the Inquisition and found guilty of heresy and treason. He was later condemned to death. On July 30, 1811, Hidalgo was executed by firing squad. His body was mutilated, and his head was displayed as a warning to other insurgents.

Miguel Hidalgo New leaders took Hidalgo’s place. A few wealthy Spanish nobles and many criollos joined the fight for independence. The fight lasted for 11 years. In 1821, the rebels finally overthrew the Spanish government. Mexico finally became independent.

Miguel Hidalgo Mexico’s independence was based on three guarantees. Mexico would be independent from Spain Mexico would be Catholic Criollos and Peninsulares would be equal.

Miguel Hidalgo Video