Quest for INDEPENDENCE

Setting the Stage Spanish and Portuguese colonists were denied political power and had economic restrictions placed upon them. The Latin American colonists had little to no representation in the mother countries of Spain & Portugal, and although they were the producers of the goods/foods used in trade, they had little to say in the trading business. Just like the American colonies!

Revolutionary Ideas Spread The American & French Revolutions spread ideas of freedom to Latin America. The revolutions taught that people should be entitled to a govt that protected their interests. During the Napoleonic Wars Spain was occupied with fighting in Europe, so the Latin American countries had to govern themselves.

Revolutionary Ideas Spread The war between Napoleonic France and Spain caused many Spanish Americans to question their allegiance to the mother country. When Napoleon invaded Portugal the royal family moved to Brazil. When they returned to Portugal, Prince Pedro stayed behind in Brazil and declared himself emperor. Successfully led Brazil to independence from Portugal. Peninsular War Pedro I

Revolutionary Ideas Spread But when Napoleon was defeated, the rightful King of Spain was put back on the throne (by the Congress of Vienna). Joseph (Napoleon’s brother)  Ferdinand VII (Bourbon bloodline). The King imposed the old colonial system and limited Latin America’s international trade. Bad Napoleon Joseph Bonaparte Ferdinand VII

Revolutionary Ideas Spread Latin American leaders refused to return to Spanish rule and demanded independence from Spain. Venezuela = 1811-1824 Brazil = 1823 By 1824 Latin American independence was firmly established.

Leaders in the Latin American Wars for Independence Toussaint L’Ouverture José de San Martín Led an uprising of African slaves in 1791, forcing the French out of Haiti (Hispaniola) – making Haiti the first L.A. colony to achieve independence. Worked to liberate Argentina and Chile from Spanish rule in 1816-1818.

Leaders in the Latin American Wars for Independence Miguel Hidalgo Simón Bolívar A priest who began a rebellion against Spanish rule in MX in 1810. The uprising failed, but MX later achieved its independence in 1821. Defeated Spanish forces between 1819 & 1825. Liberated Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.

Simón Bolívar 1783-1830 Known as the “Liberator.” 1813: Led the fight for independence of Venezuela. Decree of War to the Death – threatened those who opposed him and sided with Spain.

Simón Bolívar 1783-1830 Liberated Ecuador, Venezuela, and Colombia, and combined them to become Gran Colombia. Established himself as the First President and wanted to unite all of South America. Joined with José de San Martín to liberate Peru. 1824: Successfully defeated Spanish forces.

Help from the USA 1823: USA issues the Monroe Doctrine (written by James Monroe). Warns European powers to stay out of the western hemisphere and to not pose any interventions. Bolívar wanted a federation like the USA, but instead he declared himself Dictator in 1828. -Resigned in 1830, died shortly after.

Latin American Revolution Things to Remember L.A. Revolution was encouraged by Enlightenment ideas, success of the American Revolution, and the outbreak of the French Revolution. Free blacks and slaves of Haiti (Hispaniola) rebelled and achieved independence. When France occupied Spain during the Napoleonic Wars, the Latin American countries governed themselves. Latin American leaders, most notable Simón Bolívar, fought to win independence from Spain.