Latin American Peoples Win Independence

Early Struggles in Latin America The Enlightenment and the American and French revolutions inspired some in Latin America to seek greater freedom. Who – Toussaint L’Ouverture (former slave)Who – Toussaint L’Ouverture (former slave) When – 1791 – 1801When – 1791 – 1801 Why?Why? French palntations owners unhappy w/France’s trade policies & strong gov’t influenceFrench palntations owners unhappy w/France’s trade policies & strong gov’t influence Slaves resented brutal treatmentSlaves resented brutal treatment French Revolution greatly influenced both European plantation owners & slavesFrench Revolution greatly influenced both European plantation owners & slaves Revolution in Haiti ( ) How? L’Ouverture freed all enslaved Africans (but then imprisoned) L’Ouverture freed all enslaved Africans (but then imprisoned) Napoleon later “gave up” territories in N. & L. AmericaNapoleon later “gave up” territories in N. & L. America Jean-Jacques Dessaline declared Haiti an independent country in 1804Jean-Jacques Dessaline declared Haiti an independent country in 1804

Latin America Socially Divided Social class, based on race & ethnicity, dictated people’s place in society At top of society were peninsulares = born in Spain - Tiny % of popul., could hold high gov’t office Second to the top were the creoles = Spaniards born in Latin America - No high gov’t office, but could rise as officers in army Third were the mestizos = persons of mixed European and Indian ancestry Fourth were the mulattos = persons of mixed European and African ancestry - Also included African slaves Indians were at the bottom of the social ladder

Revolutions in Venezuela, Ecuador, & Peru Who? Simon Bolivar & Jose de San MartinSimon Bolivar & Jose de San MartinWhen? Why? Creoles were least oppressed, but best educatedCreoles were least oppressed, but best educated –Learned of Enlightenment ideas & Revolutions Creoles felt no loyalty to French king (Napoleon)Creoles felt no loyalty to French king (Napoleon) –When king deposed, power should shift to the people (Locke)

Creoles Lead Independence in Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru  Simón Bolivar  Wealthy Venezuelan creole  Spent time in Europe and the newly-independent United States  Called “Libertador” (liberator) How?  Led volunteer army of revolutionaries (guerrilla warfare)  Spain distracted back in Europe  Won Venezuela’s independence in 1821

Creoles Lead Independence  José de San Martin  Argentinian military officer  Won Argentina’s independence in 1816  Led army against Spanish forces to free Chile How (cont.)?  Partnered with Bolivar to drive Spanish forces out of Peru  Decisive victory at Battle of Ayacucho in 1824  Future countries of Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, & Ecuador united into Gran Colombia

Mexico Ends Spanish Rule Ethnic & racial groups mixed freelyEthnic & racial groups mixed freely –Indians & mestizos led revolution –Why? Unsatisfied w/social status, oppression Religious beliefsReligious beliefs Padre Miguel Hidalgo, priest of village of Dolores, called for rebellion against the Spanish in 1811Padre Miguel Hidalgo, priest of village of Dolores, called for rebellion against the Spanish in 1811 –grito de Dolores (cry of Dolores) –Defeated by Spanish army & creoles near Mexico City, but later imprisoned/executed Padre José María Morelos led revolution for four more years but was defeated in 1815Padre José María Morelos led revolution for four more years but was defeated in 1815 Augustín de Iturbide (who had defeated Morelos), proclaimed Mexico’s independence in 1821Augustín de Iturbide (who had defeated Morelos), proclaimed Mexico’s independence in 1821

Brazil’s Royal Liberator Independence occurred w/o violence or bloodshedIndependence occurred w/o violence or bloodshed When Napoleon’s army approached Portugal, the prince and royal family escaped to Rio de Janeiro in BrazilWhen Napoleon’s army approached Portugal, the prince and royal family escaped to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil After Napoleon’s defeat, the royal family went back to Portugal except for Dom Pedro, who stayed in BrazilAfter Napoleon’s defeat, the royal family went back to Portugal except for Dom Pedro, who stayed in Brazil In 1822, Brazilians demanded independence from Portugal and petitioned for Dom Pedro to rule BrazilIn 1822, Brazilians demanded independence from Portugal and petitioned for Dom Pedro to rule Brazil Sept. 7, 1822 – Dom Pedro declared Brazil’s independenceSept. 7, 1822 – Dom Pedro declared Brazil’s independence Flag of the Empire of Brazil, Pedro de Alcântara Francisco António João Carlos Xavier de Paula Miguel Rafael Joaquim José Gonzaga Pascoal Cipriano Serafim de Bragança e Bourbon

How were the Latin American Revolutions similar? Influence of Enlightenment (equality, natural rights)Influence of Enlightenment (equality, natural rights) Social diversity & discriminationSocial diversity & discriminationBUT… Different groups started the revoltsDifferent groups started the revolts Haiti  Enslaved Africans L. America  Creoles Mexico  Religious figures Brazil  Royal family

Were the Latin American Revolutions as successful as American and French? American & French revolutions led to democratic principles, limited monarchiesAmerican & French revolutions led to democratic principles, limited monarchies Latin American revolutions reinstated strong central authorities w/no democracy (emperors)Latin American revolutions reinstated strong central authorities w/no democracy (emperors) Why?Why? –Diverse people –Diverse perspectives on gov’t –Economic problems –Lack of resources