Latin America, Independence!

Toussaint L’Ouverture was a former slave, who led the people of Saint-Domingue in their fight for freedom.

The fight for Haiti’s freedom began in 1791 and didn’t end until 1804.

Miguel Hidalgo, a criollo priest began planning Mexico’s revolution, in His wild ringing of the church bells became a rally cry known as the “Cry of Dolores!”

Miguel Hidalgo was eventually captured by the Spanish and executed a year later. He was replaced by Agustin de Iturbide (shown to the right), as the fight for independence continued for many years.

Mexico was declared independent in 1821, by Agustin de Iturbide, who was a high ranking officer in the Spanish army.

Venezuela gained its independence in 1822, mostly due to the leadership of Simon Bolivar, who was one of South America’s most important revolutionary leaders.

Jose de San martin was responsible for Chile’s freedom, in He was one of the few military leaders who was respected by his men.

Brazil’s independence was won without fighting. Dom Pedro was ruling the colony, when Brazil declared its independence, in He was the son of Portugal’s king.

As seen in this section, people of Latin America were inspired to gain their freedom by hearing of revolutions to their north and across the Atlantic, the seeds of freedom were being sewn throughout most of Latin America.

A revolution is when a group of people overthrow a government. To the north of Latin America, the British colonies fought and won their independence from England.

Another source of inspiration came from across the Atlantic. The French overthrew their King and Queen.

A Criollo was born in Latin America from Spanish parents. They were educated people, usually in Europe, which introduced the ideas in rights of the people.

A Caudillo is a military officer who rules a country in a very strict manner.