Age of Independence in North and Latin America

A Tale of Independence: AP World History, North America, Latin America, and the Age of Independence

The Age of Independence, spanning from the late 18th to the early 19th century, marked a transformative era in world history. In this article, we will explore the critical events and subtopics that shaped North America, Latin America, and Canada during this period.

Latin American Independence Movements

The Latin American colonies of Spain and Portugal began their fight for independence in the late 18th century. Motivated by Enlightenment ideas, economic grievances, and the desire for self-rule, several Latin American nations asserted their autonomy from European rule. Key events included:

• The Hidalgo-Morelos Revolt (1810-1817) in Mexico, led by Miguel Hidalgo and Ignacio Allende, which sparked the Mexican War of Independence.
• The Argentine Revolt of May 1810, which placed Juan Martín de Pueyrredón as the first Head of the Argentine Junta.
• The Colombian War of Independence (1810-1821) that ended in the formation of the United States of Colombia.
• The Chilean War of Independence (1817-1821), led by José de San Martín and Bernardo O'Higgins, which led to Chile's independence from Spain.

Canadian Confederation

Confederation, the process of uniting British North American colonies, began in 1864 when the British government passed the British North America Act. The confederation, which became the Dominion of Canada in 1867, was a response to growing pressures to unite the colonies and to strengthen their political and economic standing. Canada's founding constituent provinces were Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.

Haitian Revolution

The Haitian Revolution (1791-1804), led by Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines, was a successful slave revolt against French rule. The Haitian Revolution is significant for its widespread impact on global slavery and for being the first successful slave rebellion in history that resulted in the establishment of an independent nation.

Mexican War of Independence

The Mexican War of Independence (1810-1821) marked a period of conflict between the Spanish colonial authorities and Mexican revolutionaries, led by Ignacio Allende and Miguel Hidalgo. The war concluded with the Plan of Iguala, which established Mexican independence from Spain.

American Industrial Economy

The Age of Independence saw significant developments in the American industrial economy. Key events included:

• The construction of the Erie Canal (1817-1825), which connected the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean, facilitating trade and transportation.
• The invention and improvement of the cotton gin (1793) by Eli Whitney, which greatly increased the efficiency of cotton production.
• The growth of textile manufacturing in the northeastern United States due to the availability of inexpensive cotton.
• The construction of railways, most notably the Transcontinental Railroad (1869), which linked the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States.

In conclusion, the Age of Independence in North America and Latin America was a transformative period that gave birth to many new nations. The events and subtopics explored in this article are crucial in understanding the historical context that shaped the modern world. As we celebrate the achievements and remember the challenges faced by those who came before us, we strive to uphold the values of freedom, justice, and self-determination that continue to define our age.

Explore the transformative period of the Age of Independence in North America and Latin America, including key events such as the Latin American independence movements, Canadian confederation, Haitian Revolution, Mexican War of Independence, and developments in the American industrial economy.