A History of Revolution in Latin
America
Why did the Latin American colonies want
independence from Europe?
How were the revolts similar and different in
their causes and results?
What were the Latin American
revolutions?
• The Latin American
independence movement was a
series of revolts against
European colonialism in Central
& South America
– Directed at Spain & Portugal
– 1790’s – 1840’s
• Many of these revolts where
the result of Enlightenment
ideas
– Inspired by the American
Revolution (1775 – 1783)
Why did many Latin Americans want independence
from Europe?
• Resentment of the colonial
class system
• Especially among the Creoles
• Influenced by Enlightenment
ideas & writings
• Issues of race (slave classes)
• Resentment towards
European colonial
governments
• Unequal distribution of wealth
• Restrictions on speech
• Political exile / imprisonment
Resentment of the Creoles
Colonial Governments &
Restrictions
Issues of Race
What helped to trigger armed revolution in
Latin America?
• Events in Europe helped to
spark revolts in Latin
America
• French Revolution
• Napoleonic Wars
• Monroe Doctrine (1823):
1. No more European
colonization in the New
World
2. An attempt to colonize = a
threat to the US
3. US will stay out of European
affairs
Who where some of the major leaders of
the Latin American revolutions?
• Three (3) major revolutionaries:
– Toussaint L’Ouverture
• Former African slave
• Helped fight French in Haiti
– Simon Bolivar
• Wealthy Venezuelan creole
• Called “Libertador”
• “The George Washington of Latin
America”
– Padre Jose Morelos
• Poor Mexican priest
• Helped inspire Mexican fighters
Slave Revolt turned Revolution
Jungle / Guerrilla Warfare
Toussaint L’Ouverture (1743-1803)
Slave Revolt turned Revolution
The Unknown Maroon of Saint Domingue
Selling of Louisiana (1803)
Simon Bolivar: The George Washington of Latin America
“I will not rest until I
have broken the
chains that bind us to
the will of Spain!”
-Simon Bolivar
The Simon Bolivar Memorial
Was it murder?
The execution of Padre Morelos
Map of Spanish Colonies cir. 1800
Latin American post Revolutions cir. 1820’s
How successful where the Latin American
revolutions?
• Many Latin American
leaders had hoped for
unity among the
different colonies
• Similar to the United
States
• However, the idea soon
failed
• Increase in poverty
• Divide between rich and
poor gets bigger