1. Struggles for Independence
Independence movements in Latin America started as early as 1791 and continued into the 20th century.
Timeline of Revolution
1791: Haitian Revolution (Haiti free from French rule by 1804)
1810: Mexican Revolution (Mexico was independent from Spain by 1821)
1810: Beginning of independence mvt in Argentina (successful by 1816)
1811: Bolivar began revolts in Chile, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador
1815: Brazil rebels against Portuguese rule (successful by 1821)
1820s: Rebellion in Central America results in creation of republics
of Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Costa Rica
1823: US issues the Monroe Doctrine in an attempt to secure influence in Americas

2. Haitian Revolution Dates: 1791- 1804 Leader: Toussaint L’Ouverture
Background Info:
Had slave-based economy (sugar)
Black slaves outnumbered white owners 10:1- owners used extreme physical violence to maintain control
Rigid caste system -
Whites (gran blanc – aristocrats, petit blanc – lower class white)
Free people of color
African slaves

3. Background Info (cont’d):
Frequent violent conflict between whites and runaway slaves (Maroons)
Regional rivalry, the influence of French Revolution and Enlightenment thought and the growing tension between social classes all contributed to the slave rebellion in 1791

4. Rebellion:
Toussaint L’ouverture (initially fought for Spanish, then British, then French) refused to give up the power he had acquired while fighting to end slavery (1798)
Began to rule over Haiti as an independent ruler – made himself “governor-for-life” and declared Haiti an independent black state (1801)
Napoleon sent troops in to restore order – promised L’Ouverture his freedom if he agreed to bring his troops to the French side – tricked
L’Ouverture was captured, sent to France and died there (1802)
Haitian rebels continued to fight and Napoleon began to lose interest in French influence in Western Hemisphere (sold Louisiana to US 1803) – more worried about European enemies (Britain, Prussia)
In 1804, Dessalines (ruler of Haiti) successfully claimed Haiti as a free nation (followed by slaughter of remaining white colonists)

5. Effects of Haitian Revolution
The initial success of the Haitian Revolution influenced slave rebellions and independence movements throughout the Americas. Haiti was the
first independent nation in Latin America
the first (post-colonial) black led nation in the world
the only nation whose independence was gained through a successful slave rebellion
Following the Haitian Revolution, the nation had lasting issues with
Labor sources (needed workers, wanted to avoid appearance of slavery)
Over-militarization (bankrupted the country)
Social stratification