-
The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment thinkers introduced ideas of freedom, equality, and self-government. These ideas reached Latin America and inspired revolutionaries. People began to ask why Spain and Portugal had so much control over their lives -
Inspires Changes
The American colonies fought for and Won their independence from Britain This showed that they were able to defeat a powerful empire. Latin American Revolution began to achive the same for their countries. -
The start of the French Revolution
The French overthrew their monarchy and introduced liberty and fraternity. These ideas spread across the atlantic energizing independence movements in Latin America. People began to believe that they could overthrow colonial powers too. -
The Haiti Revolution
The enslaved Africans in Haiti led by Toussaint Louverture revolted against French colonial rule. After years of fighting Haiti became the first to throw off the French colonial control and slavery. This was a major symbol of freedom for people in Latin America. -
Other parts
Francisco Miranda and other revolutionaries tried to free Venezuela and other parts of Latin America but failed. They laid the groundwork for what was to come and leaders learned lessons about organizing revolutions. -
Church bell
Father Miguel Hidalgo rang a church bell in Mexico, calling on the people to go against the Spanish. Thousands of poor farmers and indigenous people joined the fight. This moment is remembered as the start of Mexico’s war for independence. -
Independence of Venezuela
Venezuela became the first South American country to declare independence formally. But the fight against the Spanish continued for many years. Simón Bolívar began rising as a central leader in the struggle of the revolution. -
Bolivar
Simón Bolívar declared a campaign to free Venezuela from Spanish control. He promised to free those who supported independence and death to those who didn't agree with him. This difficult approach helped rally support and strike fear into the others. -
Argentina
Argentina also declared independence from Spain, led by revolutionaries José de San Martín. Buenos Aires became a way to look at revolutionary action in South America. This new nation inspired others to follow. -
The cordillera
José de San Martín led an army across the cold Andes mountains to attack the Spanish military in Chile. It was a dangerous journey that surprised that took by surprise the enemy. This move helped win victories for independence. -
Independence of Chile
San Martín and Bernardo O’Higgins defeated the Spanish in Chile. Their victory secured Chile’s independence and removed Spanish control in the region. Chile became an ally in the fight for freedom. -
Independence of Mexico
After years Mexico declared war and leaders like Agustin and Vicente Guerrero gained Mexico independence. The Plan of Iguala united different forms of new nations. Mexico’s independence inspired other Central American countries to fight for their freedom as well. -
Carabobo
Simón Bolívar led his troops to win against the Spanish in Venezuela. This battle was a turning point in the struggle for northern South America. Venezuela’s independence was finally there. -
The independence of Brazil
Prince Dom Pedro of Portugal declared Brazil independent without a major war. He became Brazil’s first emperor making a peaceful break from colonial rule. This made Brazil’s revolution unique compared to others in Latin American countries. -
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín met in Guayaquil, Ecuador, to discuss the future of Latin America. They talked and disagreed on the new government system. After this meeting, San Martín retired leaving Bolívar to continue the fight. -
Ayacucho battle
Simon Bolívar’s forces defeated the Spanish at Ayacucho in Peru effectively ending Spanish rule in South America. This victory was the final step to Spanish control in the region. It marked the start of a fully independent South America. -
Peru & Bolivia
The region of upper Peru declared independence and renamed itself Bolivia in honor of Simón Bolívar. The creation of Bolivia symbolized the end of Spanish colonial power. Simon Bolívar hoped it would serve as a new way of look for democratic government. -
Bolivar resigns
Simón Bolívar resigned from power after failing to unite Latin America into one nation. Disagreements among the new countries made unity impossible. Bolívar retired in sadness feeling his dream had failed to unite. -
Dominican Republic also gains independence
The Dominican Republic declared independence from Haiti after 22 years of rule. Juan Pablo and other leaders organized the fight for freedom. This marked a new beginning of the Dominican Republic as a separate nation. -
Spanish American War
The Spanish American War marked the end of Spain’s influence in the Americas. The United States defeated Spain and took control, including Cuba and Puerto Rico. This war symbolized the final of colonial rule in the region.