1. Latin American Revolutions
Late 18th – Early 19th Centuries

2. 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 

3. 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 

4. 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