At the end of the 17th century, Spain became a declining empire with diminishing revenues and loss of both political and military influence -- especially against other rising powers such as Britain. The Bourbon Reforms (1747-1808) changed the colonial system in the Americas to that of an intendancy. These reforms were directed to increase tax revenues, but became very unpopular among the colonies as most intendants were peninsulares, or people born in Spain.
This power shift increased unrest among criollos, or people of Spanish ancestry who were born in the Americas, who ultimately attained the support of both Amerindians and mestizos (descendants of interracial marriages between Europeans and Native Americans) to wage war against Spanish rule. In Mexico and Central America, Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo (1753-1811) is considered the starter of such movement, while the South American war of independence was won by liberators Jose de San Martin (1778-1850) and Simon Bolivar (1783-1830).
When Napoleon's Army invaded both Spain and Portugal during the Peninsular Wars (1807-1814), most criollos saw the opportunity to secede from the Spanish Empire. By 1825 most of Latin America became independent, with only some last bastions in Mexico, Peru, Chile and Argentina still being loyal to the Spanish Crown. By 1833 even these were defeated, and all attempts of reconquest by Spain had been already thwarted. Finally, in 1836 the Spanish government renounced to the sovereignty over continental America, with the exception of Cuba an Puerto Rico, which were lost during the Spanish-American War (1898).
caudillios
The Americans decided to help the Latin-Americans in their fight for their independence because of the American Revolution. Latin-Americans were inspired by the American Revolution, therefore, the Americans decided to help in their fight for independence.
Latin Americans sought independence from their parent countries, mainly Spain and Portugal. The French and American revolutions served as inspirations for Latin American independence movements, as they demonstrated the possibility of overthrowing colonial rule and establishing independent governments.
Yes, the Latin American independence movements generally had stronger support from Indigenous populations than the English colonies. In Latin America, many Indigenous groups saw independence as an opportunity to end oppressive colonial rule and reclaim their autonomy. In contrast, the English colonies' independence movement was primarily driven by European-descended settlers, and Indigenous peoples were often marginalized or seen as obstacles to colonial expansion. The differing social dynamics and colonial legacies played a significant role in shaping these levels of support.
your dumb.
The intendancy system
The Creoles
The Creoles
The Peninsular Wars, when France led by Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Spain and Portugal.
The Peninsular Wars, when France led by Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Spain and Portugal.
Creoles were the ones that had most rights in Latin America and therefore, they were the ones that led independence movements.
Simon Bolivar led Latin America to its independence. He's considered the liberator of Latin America. He urged independence to the rest of the Latin American countries, and was successful in doing so.
the american and french revolutions
Creole elites viewed it as a horrible example of social upheaval
The early nationalism movement in Latin America was inspired by various factors, including the Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and self-determination, as well as the successful independence movements in North America and France. The decline of Spanish and Portuguese colonial power, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars, created an opportunity for Latin American colonies to assert their independence. Additionally, the influence of local leaders and intellectuals who promoted national identity and unity played a crucial role in galvanizing the movement towards independence and nationhood.
The first Latin American country to gain its independence was Mexico, which declared its independence from Spain on September 16, 1810. The movement was led by figures such as Miguel Hidalgo and José María Morelos, culminating in the official recognition of independence in 1821. This marked the beginning of a wave of independence movements across Latin America.
we helped them gain their independence