Latin American Independence and Revolution

Latin American Independence

• Latin American peoples, inspired by discontent and Enlightenment ideals, fought colonial rule.
• Sixteen modern Latin American nations gained independence during this time period.
• Colonial society was divided by class, with peninsulares (people born in Spain) at the top, followed by creoles (Spaniards born in Latin America), mestizos (mixed European and Indian ancestry), mulattos (mixed European and African ancestry), and enslaved Africans.
• Peninsulares held the most powerful positions in government.
• Creoles could not hold high-level political office but could rise to military leadership.
• Indians and mestizos comprised the majority of the population.
• The American Revolution, French Revolution, and Enlightenment ideas promoted liberty, equality, and democratic rule, inspiring movements for independence.

Haitian Revolution

• Saint Domingue (present-day Haiti), was the first Latin American territory to gain independence from European rule.
• It was the first successful slave revolt in history, led by Toussaint L'Ouverture.
• The enslaved population greatly outnumbered the French masters.
• In 1791, 100,000 enslaved Africans revolted.
• Toussaint L'Ouverture rose to become a skilled general and diplomat, eventually taking control of the entire island and ending slavery.
• In 1802, French troops attempted to retake the island, but Toussaint was captured and died in prison.
• Jean-Jacques Dessalines continued the fight for independence.
• Haiti declared independence on January 1, 1804.
• It was the first black colony to free itself from European control.

Creole Leadership

• Creoles, though less oppressed than other groups, aspired to political power.
• Many creoles were educated in Europe and exposed to Enlightenment ideas.
• The removal of the Spanish king Ferdinand VII by Napoleon sparked revolts in Spanish colonies, as creoles felt no loyalty to a French-imposed monarch.
• Revolts for independence broke out in 1810.

Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín

• Simón Bolívar, a Venezuelan creole general, successfully led revolutionary efforts in Venezuela, Colombia, and other territories.
• José de San Martín, an Argentinean general, led efforts in Argentina, Chile, and Peru.
• Collaboration between San Martín and Bolívar was crucial in achieving independence for many South American countries.

Mexican Revolution

• Padre Miguel Hidalgo, a priest, initiated the Mexican independence movement in 1810 with the "Grito de Dolores."
• Following Hidalgo's defeat, Padre José María Morelos continued the fight before being defeated in 1815.
• Agustín de Iturbide, a creole officer, declared Mexican independence in 1821.
• Ethnic and racial mixing in Mexico led to Indian and mestizo participation in the revolution.

Brazil's Royal Liberator

• Brazil's independence occurred without major violence.
• The Portuguese royal family fled to Brazil in 1807 and made the colony the capital of the empire.
• After Napoleon's defeat in 1815, the Portuguese returned to Portugal, but their son, Dom Pedro, remained in Brazil.
• In 1822, Dom Pedro declared Brazil's independence.
• This avoided major conflict and bloodshed.

European Revolutions

• Conservative, liberal, and radical philosophies influenced European politics.
• Conservative groups wanted to preserve traditional monarchies.
• Liberal groups advocated for political reforms and elected parliaments.
• Radicals favored extending democracy to all people.
• Nationalism, a powerful force, further complicated these political divides. People felt greater loyalty to their nationality over their loyalty to their king, causing tension in countries with large ethnic groups.

Explore the compelling history of Latin American independence movements inspired by Enlightenment ideals and socio-economic divides. This quiz covers key events and figures from the time, including the Haitian Revolution and the roles of various social classes in the struggle for freedom. Test your knowledge of the transformative period that reshaped the continent.