The Latin American Wars of Independence

1798-1821

What and Where is Latin America? Was ruled mostly

by Spain Leaders came

from Spain, France and Portugal

Latin language origins

Outside Causes of Revolution

Enlightenment Revolutions in US

and France Napoleonic Wars

-Focus was in Europe -Spain and Portugal both Occupied for a period of time Napoleon increases

nationalism

Class System

Peninsulares: Latin Americans born in Spain

Creoles: Spaniards born in Latin America

Mestizos: People of mixed European and Indian ancestry

Mulattoes: People of mixed European and African ancestry

Class System

Class System

2%

18%

30%

45%

5%

Latin American Class SystemSpaniards Creoles Mestizo Indians Slaves

Haiti

Who rebelled? Slaves rebelled against French

Huge Slave Population

Why: Freedom

What Happened? L’Overture leads a

successful slave revolt in 1798 – he was a mulatto

Napoleon sends troops to take back Haiti in 1803

Guerilla Warfare L’Overture is captured,

but revolution continues Defeat of French Army Haiti becomes

republic in 1820

Spanish America

Area of New Spain spread from Mid-N. America to tip of S. America

Very few rights for native population

Who rebelled? Creoles Rebel

Why? Want their freedom

What Happened? Simon Bolivar was a

South American born General

Served in Spanish Army against Napoleon

Went back to South America and took over Independence movement

Known as the “The Great Liberator”

Slowly pushes Spanish out

Helped by Jose de San Martin

Mexico Who rebelled?

Father Miguel Hidalgo, a priest, leads the movement with other Native Americans, Mestizo, and Creoles

Why? They want to end slavery

What happened? 1820 they gain independence

Brazil Portuguese Colony Portuguese Royal family

flees to Brazil when Napoleon takes over

Family leaves, but one son remain behind

Who Rebelled? Creoles and Royal

Why? Want to end colonial rule

What happens? Pedro I- declares Brazil an

independent nation He rules as a monarch