IndependenceIndependence

• How did Latin American nations win independence from their European rulers?

• How did the American and French revolutions influence events in Latin America?

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Independence in Mexico• The Criollos liked the idea that people had the right to govern themselves.

• Mexico began its struggle for independence in 1810 when Miguel Hidalgo planned a revolution.

• Hidalgo’s call for revolution became known as the “Cry of Dolores.”

• Small rebel groups kept fighting. In 1821, Agustín de Iturbide declared Mexico independent.

Independence in Mexico and South AmericaIndependence in Mexico and South AmericaChapter 12 , Section 4

Independence in South America

• Simón Bolívar joined the fight for Venezuelan independence in 1804 and became its leader. He eventually became the president of Gran Colombia.

• José de San Martín helped Argentina fight for its independence. He defeated Spain, and declared Chile and then Peru independent.

• Brazil became independent without fighting a war. Don Pedro declared Brazil independent in 1822.

Challenges of IndependenceChallenges of Independence

• Latin American leaders faced hard challenges after winning independence. They had to decide how to govern their nations. Also, after many years of fighting, most Latin American nations were poor.

• Simón Bolívar dreamed of uniting South America as one country. Gran Colombia was the first step. Bolívar realized his dream was impossible because Latin America was a huge area, divided by the Andes and dense rain forests.

• Bolívar did set the standard for Latin American leaders. Most were caudillos. Some caudillos cared about the people and others did not.

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Independence - Taking NotesIndependence - Taking NotesChapter 12 , Section 4

Independence - Notes ContinuedIndependence - Notes ContinuedChapter 12 , Section 4