Independence Movements in Latin America

Nativism

Political policy of promoting the interests of native born or Indigenous people over those of immigrants

Enlightenment

Enlightenment ideas popularized during beginnings of revolution in LA; laws of nature govern natural science and human society, give people rights (life, liberty, property), make fair societies based on reason, challenged theory of Divine Right monarchy

French Revolution

Period of major political and social upheaval in France, aimed to overthrow existing monarchy and create a new society based on Enlightenment principles like popular sovereignty and natural rights

Execution of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette

Led to the abolition of the monarchy, the establishment of a republic, and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte

Rose to power during French Revolution serving as First Consul then Emperor; displaced the Spanish royal family, named brother Joseph king; weakening of Spanish control along with Creole discontentment fueled independence movements; defeated in the Battle of Waterloo

Peninsular Wars

Major conflict during Napoleonic Wars fought in the Iberian Peninsula; First French Empire against the allied forces of Spain, Portugal, and Great Britain

Haitian Independence

Slave uprising in French colony in Haiti (1791); crushed master class and defeated French armies

Toussaint L'Ouverture

Leading figure of the slave revolt in Haiti; turned the colony into a country governed by former Black slaves

Creole

Born in New Spain of Spanish parents; growing discontent felt Peninsulares were awarded more opportunities due to their 'pure blood'

Mestizos

Born of Spanish and Native American Indian parents

Francisco de Miranda

Venezuelan revolutionary known as 'the precursor' to Simón Bolivar; credited with paving the way for South America's eventual independence from Spanish rule; attempted and failed to free Venezuela from the control of Spain

Constitution of Cadiz

Constitution written by Spanish liberal reformers; established constitutional monarchy in Spain and granted rights to Spanish America; was ignored by Ferdinand VII which sparked more independence movements

Central Junta

Spanish governing body formed during Napoleonic occupation; claimed to represent Spain and its colonies, excluded American representatives which led to distrust and local juntas in Latin America

Americanos

Term used by Latin American revolutionaries to create unity across racial/social lines; promoted the idea of a shared American identity to build anti-colonial sentiment

Simon Bolivar

Venezuelan military and political leader; led the independence movements in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; advocated for unity and republicanism in Latin America; main leader behind defeat of Llaneros- got them on patriot side; captured Bogotà, Caracas, and Quito; liberated Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; known as 'The Liberator'

Father Miguel Hidalgo

Hidalgo

Mexican priest who led the 1810 "Grito de Dolores" rebellion against Spanish rule.

Jose de San Martin

Argentine general key figure in independence of Argentina, Chile, and Peru.

Prince Joao

Portuguese prince who fled to Brazil during Napoleonic wars, raised Brazil's status to a kingdom.

Brazilian Independence

Led by Dom Pedro I, who declared independence in 1822 after refusing orders from Portuguese Cortes.

Venezuelan Independence

Led by Simón Bolívar, achieved independence after Battle of Carabobo in 1821.

Conservatives

Elites favoring traditional power structures, supported strong central authority and limited reform.

Liberals

Reform focused politicians who advocated for secularism, federalism, and modernization.

William Walker

American adventurer who tried to conquer parts of Central America in the 1850s.

Caudillos

Spanish or Latin American military dictators who filled power vacuums post-independence.

Latin American constitutions

Written by new governments, attempted to create liberal republics but conflicted with local traditions.

Economic development

Led by Latin American elites and foreign investors, emphasized railroads and export infrastructure.

Monoculture economies

Countries like Brazil (coffee), Cuba (sugar), and Central American nations (bananas) relied on a single crop.

Popular Sovereignty

Idea that legitimate political power comes from the people, adopted by Latin American revolutionaries.

Monroe Doctrine

Issued by US President James Monroe, declared the Western Hemisphere off-limits to new European colonization.