Latin American revolutions
The term
Latin American revolutions refers to the various
revolutions that took place during the early 1800s that resulted in the creation of a number of independent countries in the
Latin American region. This is considered to be one of the most influential series of events in the
history of the Western Hemisphere.
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José de San Martín (Argentina, Chile, Peru)
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Miguel Hidalgo (Mexico)
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Francisco de Paula Santander (Colombia)
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Simón Bolívar (Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama and Bolivia)
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Francisco de Miranda (Venezuela)
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Toussaint L'Ouverture (Haiti)
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Jean-Jacques Dessalines (Haiti)
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Vicente Guerrero (Mexico)
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José María Morelos (Mexico)
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Bernardo O'Higgins (Chile)
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Antonio José de Sucre (Venezuela, Columbia, Bolivia)
Dates correspond to either the time period of fighting or when the respective country declared independence*
Haiti (1791-1804)
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Bolivia (1809-25)
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Argentina (1810-17)
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Chile (1810-18)
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Colombia (1810-19)
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Mexico (1810-21)
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Paraguay (1811)
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Venezuela (1811-22)
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Peru (1821)
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Ecuador (1822)
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Brazil (1822)
American Revolution
The rebellion by the British colonies in North America from Great Britain was spurred by a number of taxes and Acts that the colonists had no say over. This infuriated colonists, and started the American Revolution, which gave inspiration to other revolutions in the Atlantic world, such as the French, Haitian, Latin American, and other unsuccessful revolutions. Colonists in North America were able to start a government of their own because of Enlightenment thinking, and because they were governing themselves on the state level for many years before the rebellion.
French Revolution
This was a French peasant revolution against
King Louis XVI.
Napoleonic Wars
This was a series of wars fought between France (led by Napoleon Bonaparte) and alliances involving Britain, Prussia, Spain, Russia and Austria at different times, from 1799 to 1815.
Other factors
Other factors included European Enlightenment thinking.
Miguel Hidalgo led the successful independence movement of Mexico.
Simón Bolívar helped in a number of revolutions in northern South America. A wealthy Creole officer, Bolívar impassioned his fellow South Americans to support him in fighting against the Spanish. Between 1817 and 1822, he won a series of victories in
Venezuela,
Colombia, and
Ecuador. These countries were united in a new nation called Gran Colombia, which broke up in 1830 due to political differences and regional interests. Bolívar rejected all attempts to crown him king of the newly independent areas and worked until this death in 1830 for the cause of independence and republican government.
Spain
France
Portugal
United States
Europe
During the 1800s, Latin American countries were faced by many challenges in developing their economy. Though they were politically independent from countries such as Spain and Portugal, many countries remained economically dependent on Europe. Latin American countries exported sugar, beef, copper and coffee to Europe in exchange for manufactured goods.
United States and Great Britain
As a result of these successful revolts, United States President James Monroe asked Secretary of State John Quincy Adams to draft the :Monroe Doctrine." It stated that the United States would not tolerate any Europeans interference in the Western Hemisphere. This measure was taken in order to safeguard the newfound liberties revolutionaries such as Bolivar and Hidalgo fought for. Also, it was taken as a precautionary measure against the vast naval might of the United States' European contemporaries.
Within Latin America
Simón Bolívar attempted to create an American-style government in Gran Colombia. Geographical barriers made this impossible, however, and Bolívar named himself Emperor Simón I. Latin America never did create a unified government because it had too many military rulers, and no civilian rulers. Because every ruler who came to power was from the military, there were countless revolutions, which never allowed Latin America to become united.
Increased interest in Africa
Growing tensions in Europe
Growth of U.S. political power
Organization of American States
