Latin American Revolutions Late 18th – Early 19th Centuries

Discontent in Latin America Creoles → resented being treated as second class citizens by the Peninsulares  Mestizos and Mulattoes → angered that they were not treated as citizens and did not have the same power as whites  Native Americans and Africans → angered by enslavement and inhumane treatment 

Discontent in Latin America 1700's: educated Creoles reading Enlightenment works Inspired by revolutions and national sovereignty National sovereignty = a nation/state can govern itself After Haitian Revolution --> many whites in Latin America worried that Indians and slaves might rebel 

Discontent in Latin America 1808: Napoleon invades Spain Kicked out Spanish king and puts his brother-in-law in control of Spain and its colonies Severs link between Spain and colonies Many in Latin America sees this as a moment of weakness for Spain An opportunity to reject foreign rule and demand freedom