Latin American Independence Inspired by Enlightenment, American and French Revolutions

Latin American Colonies Europeans held power Caribbean islands Mexico Central America South America Very rigid social system (see diagram in notebook, p. 90)

“First Upheavals” Tupac Amaru—a mestizo who led a rebellion in Peru --unsuccessful; he was executed In Colombia, 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 Toussaint L’Ouverture—led a SUCCESSFUL slave rebellion in Haiti (the only successful slave rebellion ever); led Haiti to independence by 1804, although he was captured and died in prison

South America (1808-1824) Simon Bolivar—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) ● San Martin—led fight for independence for Argentina; to remain free, also pushed Spanish out of Chile and Peru with Bolivar’s help

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

Mexico (cont’d) Padre Jose Morelos—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 Agustin Iturbide took control of government in Mexico, which became independent with the Treaty of Cordova. Iturbide was proclaimed emperor. Iturbide and creoles didn’t want Spanish reforms to spread to Mexico—they were protecting Mexico AGAINST individual rights

Brazil (1821) Pedro I—son of Portuguese king—declared independence for Brazil Only peaceful “revolution” in which an American colony gained independence CENTRAL AMERICA—fought for independence; began as a union, but later broke up into separate countries

Inspired by the Enlightenment, American and French Revolutions, all of Latin America gained independence within about 25 years.