LATIN AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE

INTRODUCTION One of the most far-reaching effects of the American and French Revolutions was that they led to the independence of Latin America In the late 18 th century, the Spanish and Portuguese colonial system caused increasing unrest in Latin America Colonists were denied political power and economic restrictions made it difficult for them to trade directly with other countries or manufacture their own goods.

THE BIG QUESTION: How did Latin American colonies gain their independence?

TERMS Creoles – descendants of Europeans born in Latin America who lived there permanently Peninsulares – Spanish and Portuguese officials who resided temporarily in Latin America for political and economic gain Mestizos – people of mixed European and Indian descent

CAUSES OF REVOLTS The American and French Revolutions spread revolutionary ideas The weakening of European powers during the Age of Napoleon Resentment of European leaders for draining the Americas of their wealth Social divisions and oppression of the poor

KEY PEOPLE Haiti Toussaint l’Ouverture – led an uprising of African slaves in 1791, forcing the French out of Haiti and making Haiti the first Latin American colony to achieve independence Mexico Miguel Hidalgo – led Mexico’s first revolt (1810). The uprising failed, but Mexico later achieved independence in Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna – Ruled from Misused state funds, halted reforms and created chaos. Led Mexico in wars against the U.S. in the 1840s.

South America Jose’ de San Martin – considered a “Liberator of South America”. Liberated Argentina, Chile, and helped liberate Peru. ( ) Simon Bolivar – also considered a “liberator of South America” by freeing Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. ( )

U.S. RESPONSE The Monroe Doctrine – Issued by President James Monroe, it threatened to intervene if any European nations tried to get involved in Latin American politics. Helped insure independence of Latin American nations. The Panama Canal – begun by the French, but completed by the U.S. It cut travel time from the Atlantic to Pacific in half.

U.S. Response continued… The U.S. periodically sent troops to Latin American countries to put down rebellions. Latin American countries referred to the U.S. as “The big bully to the north”.

LEFT SIDE ACTIVITY Create a color coded timeline with 1790 and ending with (Google or use textbook) Create a key Red – Mexico (1810, 1821, 1823, 1833, 1835, ) Green – South America (1810, 1817, 1822, 1824) Blue – U.S. (1823, ) Black – Haiti (1791)