Why did Latin American countries want independence?

Answer 1

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 France and 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).

Answer 2

The Spanish government in the Latin American colonies was based on a Caste System and only Peninsulares (Iberian-born Spaniards) were allowed to rule. This meant that Creoles (American-born Spaniards) and Mestizos (mixes between Spaniard and Amerindian blood) were completely shut out of government. Given that both groups, especially the Creoles, were relatively well educated, they were well-aware of their disenfranchisement.

Answer 3

Latin American countries wanted independence from Spanish and Portuguese colonial rule for various reasons, including desire for political autonomy, economic independence, and social equality. They were inspired by Enlightenment ideals of liberty and self-determination, as well as by successful independence movements in other parts of the world. Economic exploitation, social injustices, and cultural assimilation also fueled the desire for independence.