LATIN AMERICA: Independence and the Spread of Democracy
Chapt 10, Sect 3
1. How did Latin American nations win independence from their European rulers?
Most fought battles with Spanish government soldiers and were led by Latin
American revolutionary leaders. Brazil was peacefully granted independence by the
royal family of Portugal. Haiti’s slaves fought against French colonial rule for ten
years.
2. How did the American and French revolutions influence events in Latin America?
Revolutions in North America (colonies fighting against the British government) and
in France (farmers/peasants seeking to overturn rule by a king) inspired people
across Latin America. ‘If they can do, so can we!’
3. What are some of the challenges Latin America faced as a result of gaining
independence?
Caudillos, or military leaders, were very strict and often more interested in personal
gain than in helping their newly independent countries. Also, the countries were poor
after years of fighting.
revolution
a political movement in which people overthrow a government and set-up another
criollo
person of Spanish parents born in Latin America
caudillo
military officer who ruled very strictly
invest
spend money to earn money
economy
the ways goods and services are produced and made available to people
Toussaint L’Ouverture ex-slave who led Haiti to independence
Miguel Hildalgo
led struggle for Mexican independence
Agustin de Iturbide
declared southern Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1821
Simon Bolivar
led independence fight for Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama
Jose de San Martin
led fight for independence for Chile and Peru
Nuggets:
 The first colony in Latin America to start a revolution was Saint-Domingue (Haiti).
Tired of French colonial rule and mistreatment by white slave owners, a former
slave (Toussaint L’ouverture) led a 10-year battle for independence.
 By 1825, most of Latin America was independent of its European rulers. Only Cuba
and Puerto Rico would remain as colonies of Spain in the Western Hemisphere.
 Latin America leaders drew inspiration from the revolutions in North America and
France.
 Criollos paid particular attention to the revolutions elsewhere. Even though they
were often the wealthiest and best-educated people in the Spanish colonies, they
had little political power and could not hold government office.
LATIN AMERICA: Short- and Long-Term Effects of European Exploration
Chapt 10, Sect 2
Late 1770s: British colonies in North America revolt for freedom from British rule.
Late 1780s: French citizen revolt again royal rulers.
Criollos in Latin America become interested in revolutions.
Haiti
The first colony in Latin
America to start a
revolution; won their
independence from
France in 1804.
Western South America
Simon Bolivar joined the fight for
Venezuelan independence in 1804, and
soon became a leader in the revolution. By
1822 his troops had freed much of
Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and
Panama. .Jose de San Martin led the
revolutionary forces in Argentina and Chile.
Mexico
Began its struggle for
self-government in
1810; begun by
Catholic priest Miguel
Hildalgo, but won by
former Spanish soldier
Agustin de Iturbide.
Brazil
In the early 1800s, French
forces invade Spain and
Portual. Portugal’s royal
family fled to Brazil for safety.
For their support of the King’s
family, Brazil was given
independence in 1822.
Nuggets (continued):
 Miguel Hildalgo, a Catholic priest from Dolores, planned the revolution to free
Mexico from Spanish rule. When the Spanish government discovered his plans, he
wildly rang the church bells, challenging the locals to ‘recover the land stolen from
your forefathers by the Spanish.’ His cry for revolution became known as the CRY
OF DOLORES. Hildago tried to flee the country when the revolution failed, but he
was captured and put to death by the Spanish military.
 Small rebel groups in Mexico kept fighting, led by a former Spanish soldier, Agustin
de Iturbide. In 1821 Iturbide defeated the Spanish and declared Mexico
independent.
 Simon Bolivar, like George Washington, became the first president of his country
after leading troops to win their independence.
 Jose de San Martin was a cunning warrior, surprising the Spanish forces in Chile by
crossing the Andes Mountains from behind them, and attacking Spanish forces in
Peru from the sea.
 After winning independence, Latin American leaders were faced with the challenges
of leading a new nation – something they were unprepared to do.
 In the 1900s many foreign companies invested in Latin America. As a result, foreign
investors became powerful forces in Latin American countries. Investors wanted
profits, which didn’t always mean good news for the people living in Latin America.
 Latin American countries are expanding their economies by diversifying and adding
more manufacturing jobs.
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SUMMARY: Inspired by revolutions in other countries, Latin American countried fought for and gained
their independence from European rule.