LATIN AMERICAN INDEPENCE MOVEMENTS (1810-1825)

The liberation of Latin America started with the 1789 French Revolution.

The French Revolution involved most of Europe (including Portugal and Spain, which became too busy to worry about the Americas).

REVOLUTION AND WAR IN EUROPE

In 1807, Portugal is invaded and in 1808, the Spanish King is imprisoned by Napoleon Bonaparte.

The Spanish-Americas feel unrepresented and see opportunity to rebel and leave.

REVOLUTION AND WAR IN EUROPE

Mexico (New Spain) is the most profitable colony to the Spanish.

SPANISH-AMERICAN REBELLIONS BEGIN (1810-1815)

In 1810, the native-born whites (Creoles) are resentful of Spanish control and they start a rebellion.

Rebellion is led by Father Miguel Hidalgo, who uses the Virgen de Guadalupe as a symbol. He gathers thousands of indigenous and mestizo peasants.

SPANISH-AMERICAN REBELLIONS BEGIN (1810-1815)

Miguel Hidalgo is eventually defeated and executed, but the rebellion continues.

SPANISH-AMERICAN REBELLIONS BEGIN (1810-1815)

Independence movements spread through most of Latin America.

PATRIOT VICTORIES IN SPANISH-AMERICA (1815-1825)

Leaders of the rebellion like Iturbide, Guerrero, Bolivar, and San Martin emerged.

PATRIOT VICTORIES IN SPANISH-AMERICA (1815-1825)

The Spanish were defeated throughout Latin America and only Cuba and Puerto Rico remained under Spanish control.

PATRIOT VICTORIES IN SPANISH-AMERICA (1815-1825)