Simón Bolívar Venezuelan military and political leader. Known as "El Libertador," Bolívar led independence movements in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. His vision of a unified South America greatly influenced the political landscape, though his dream of unity largely failed.
José de San Martín Argentine general and patriot. A leader in the southern independence movements, San Martín played a critical role in liberating Argentina, Chile, and Peru from Spanish rule. He collaborated with Bolívar but had differing visions for governance.
Miguel Hidalgo Mexican priest and revolutionary. Father of the Mexican independence movement. His "Grito de Dolores" in 1810 inspired the revolt against Spanish rule. Although he was executed, his actions laid the groundwork for Mexico's independence.
Toussaint Louverture Haitian revolutionary leader. Louverture led the Haitian Revolution, the first successful slave revolt, which resulted in Haiti becoming the first independent Black republic in 1804. His success inspired enslaved people and independence movements across Latin America.
Napoleón Bonaparte French military and political leader. Napoleon's invasion of Spain (1808) and the abdication of Ferdinand VII weakened Spanish control over its colonies. This power vacuum provided an opportunity for independence movements across Latin America.
Joseph Bonaparte Napoleon Bonaparte's brother, briefly King of Spain (1808–1813). Seen as an illegitimate ruler by many Spaniards and Latin Americans. His appointment intensified resentment against French and Spanish rule, fueling independence sentiments.
Ferdinand VII King of Spain (reigned 1808, 1813–1833). His capture by Napoleon and later return to power exacerbated tensions in the Spanish colonies. His absolutist policies alienated colonial elites, further encouraging independence movements.
Vicente Guerrero Mexican revolutionary leader and president. Guerrero was instrumental in the final phases of Mexico's fight for independence. As president, he abolished slavery in Mexico in 1829, reinforcing liberal reforms.
Charles II King of Spain (reigned 1665–1700). His death without an heir led to the War of Spanish Succession, eventually placing the Bourbon dynasty on the Spanish throne. This dynastic change led to reforms that alienated many colonists and contributed to independence movements.
Bernardo O’ Higgins Chilean independence leader. O’Higgins was a key figure in Chile's independence, leading military campaigns and serving as its first supreme director. His reforms modernized Chile but also faced resistance, leading to his resignation.
| Council of Indies Viceroy & Viceroyalties Audiencias Mercantilism Corregidores Social Hierarchy (Peninsulares, Creoles, Mestizos, Mulattos) Encomienda system of forced, unpaid labor which Native American groups had to provide Spanish New Laws eliminated the Encomienda in favor of African Slavery through the Triangle Trade
Hacienda Bourbon Reforms Centralization: Strengthened royal authority by reducing the power of colonial elites and reorganizing colonial governance. Economic Reforms: Encouraged trade by breaking monopolies, increasing taxation, and boosting mining and agricultural production. Military Reforms: Established local militias to defend colonies from foreign threats. Church Influence: Reduced the power of the Catholic Church in political and economic matters.
Role of Global Events (Enlightenment, Am. Rev, Haitian Rev., French Rev.)
The Enlightenment (18th Century)Role: Spread ideas of liberty, equality, and self-determination, which inspired Latin American leaders like Simón Bolívar and Miguel Hidalgo. Enlightenment principles challenged colonial hierarchies and autocratic rule.
2. American Revolution (1775–1783)3. French Revolution (1789–1799)Role: Promoted ideals of liberty, fraternity, and equality, motivating Latin American leaders. It also destabilized European monarchies, including Spain and France, which affected their colonies.
4. Haitian Revolution (1791–1804)5. Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815)6. Industrial Revolution (18th–19th Century)Role: Increased demand for Latin America’s raw materials, such as silver and sugar, fueling economic interests in independence. European industrial powers also became interested in weakening Spain's monopoly over trade.
7. Restoration of Ferdinand VII (1814)8. Wars of Spanish Succession and British Involvement9. The Monroe Doctrine (1823)10. Abolition of Slavery (Global Movements)Role: Global abolitionist movements and the end of the transatlantic slave trade influenced leaders like Vicente Guerrero, who abolished slavery in Mexico, and provided moral support for equality-focused independence causes.
The Continental System Peninsular War
Napoleon and Nationalism The French campaign into Spain led to increasing nationalism amongst the Spanish people This spilled over into the Peninsular War, where thousands of Spanish fought the French and Napoleonic rule.
Cadiz Constitution Intendentes The Jamaica Letter The Crisis of Legitimacy May 1808, the Spanish people rose up against Joseph and established local juntas (local governments) to oppose French and Joseph Bonaparte. From 1810 to 1814, the Spanish Cortes (parliament) met in Cadiz, the only city not captured by the French.
The Mask of Ferdinand El Grito de Dolores Junta Plan de Iguala Guayaquil Conference José De San Martin and Bolivar met in Guayaquil to discuss the final actions to liberate South America. San Martin was willing to serve under Bolivar, but they couldn’t agree on how the newly independent countries should be run.
Caudillos Liberal vs. Conservative Differences Conservatives wanted to maintain old social order, including power of Catholic Church Liberals wanted rapid reform and to limit power of the Church, including reducing their landholdings
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