Latin American Revolutions
Page 3: Connection Between Revolutions
Recap: Transition from the French Revolution to Latin American Revolutions.
French monarchy overthrown --> Established French Republic.
French events inspired revolutions across Europe, including a brief parliamentary election in Germany.
Discuss the influence of the French and American revolutions on Latin American movements.
Page 4: Causes of the Latin American Revolutions
Colonial unrest in Latin America (late 18th century).
Creoles: Descendants of Europeans who were denied political power.
Economic Resentment: Strict trade regulations imposed by Spain, limiting trade opportunities ("no taxation without representation" connection).
Page 5: Spread of Revolutionary Ideas
Revolutionary ideas advocating for governmental protection of interests spread to Latin America.
Impact of the Napoleonic Wars left Spain distracted and colonial governance weakened.
Post-Napoleon (1814): Spain's attempt to restore strict colonial control met with resistance; colonists demanded independence.
By 1824, Latin American independence achieved.
Page 6: Key Leaders of Latin American Independence
Toussaint L’Ouverture: Led slave uprising in Haiti; first Latin American colony to achieve independence.
Jose de San Martin: Helped liberate Argentina and Chile (1816-1818).
Miguel Hidalgo: Initiated rebellion in Mexico (1810), ultimately failed, but Mexico gained independence by 1821.
Simon Bolivar: Defeated Spanish in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia (1819-1825).
Page 7: Simon Bolivar (The Liberator)
Born in Venezuela; notable leader of South American independence.
Military Training: Influential in leadership.
1813: Initiated fight for Venezuelan independence.
Created the "Decree of War to the Death" enforcing strict punitive measures against opponents.
Exile: Fled to Jamaica in 1815, sought support from English.
Page 8: Continued Contributions of Simon Bolivar
Received support from Haiti and returned to liberate territories in South America (1817).
Established "Gran Colombia" uniting Venezuela, Ecuador, and Colombia.
Collaborated with Jose San Martin to free Peru.
By 1824, successfully defeated Spanish forces.
U.S. Influence: The Monroe Doctrine (1823) safeguarded newly independent nations against European intervention.