Independence Movements in
Latin America
Introduction
The American and French Revolutions took
place in the late 1700s.
Within twenty years, the ideas and examples
of these revolutions influenced the people
of Latin America to establish independent
nations, most notably in Haiti and Mexico.
Who controlled
the New World?
Vocabulary
The separation of the various peoples in the Latin
American colonies created a very intricate list
of names to describe one's precise race and
one's place in society.
Peninsulares-born in Spain, held highest
positions in colonial government and Catholic
Church. Think: Iberian Peninsula.
Creole- American born descendants of Spanish
settlers, owned most of the plantations, ranches
and mines. Treated as second class citizens.
Vocabulary
Mestizo- Native American and European
descendant
Mulatto- African and European descendant
African and Native American descendant were
the lowest social class
Enslaved Africans- worked on plantations and
longed for freedom.
Toussaint L’Ouverture-Haiti
Toussaint was born a slave
and then granted his
freedom in 1777.
He was inspired by revolutions
in France and the United
States.
In 1791 the slaves of
Hispaniola (now Haiti) rose
up in revolt.
Toussaint became the valiant
general who led the revolt.
Toussaint L’Ouverture
Results:
Toussaint succeeded in
defeating the European
powers who controlled
Hispaniola: Spain,
France, and Britain.
Slavery was abolished
Independence for Haiti.
The Haitian Revolution 1791–1804
Very brutal insurrection
Miguel Hidalgo-Mexico
Catholic priest who was a
leader of the revolt that
sparked the Mexican
War for Independence
Ignited uprising of poor
Mexicans (indigenous
and mestizo peasants)
against Spanish ruling
class (peninsulares)
Mexican War of Independence
In the small town of Dolores, near
Guanajuato in Mexico, on
September 16, 1810 Father
Hidalgo rang the church bells to
call his parishioners.
“el Grito de Dolores” or “the cry
of Dolores” became the call to
fight for Mexican independence.
This event marked the beginning
of the Mexican War of
Independence from Spain.
Father Jose Morelos
Morelos picked up the banner
of revolution in Mexico
after Hidalgo was executed.
Morelos was a mestizo
Wanted to improve
conditions, abolish slavery,
give vote to all men.
Captured, shot and killed in
1815.
Mexican Independence
Mexican Independence was finally achieved in
1821.
Mexican Independence from Spain is NOT
Cinco de Mayo! The 5th of May celebrates the
win of the Mexican Militia over the French
Army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862.
Simon Bolivar
Known as “el Libertador”
Educated creole who dreamed
of independence from Spain.
Traveled to Europe and was
inspired by Enlightenment
ideas and revolution.
Through fierce and bloody
battles he freed Venezuela,
Colombia, Panama, Ecuador,
Peru and Bolivia from
Spanish rule.
José de San Martín
Was born a creole but went
to Europe for military
training.
Freed Argentina, and Chile
and Peru from Spain.
Prince Dom Pedro
Dom Pedro was the son of the King of Portugal.
The Portuguese royal family fled to Brazil when
Napoleon’s army conquered Portugal.
When the family went back to Portugal Dom
Pedro was left to rule Brazil.
Dom Pedro became ruler of an independent
Brazil with a constitution.
Results of Independence Movements
in Latin America
Democracy failed to take hold in the new
countries, wealth and power remained in the
hands of a few.
Twenty separate nations emerged. Most wrote
up constitutions modeled after the United
States.
Trade with United States and Great Britain
became the main source of revenue.
Monroe Doctrine 1823
Latin American nations were acknowledged
as independent by the United States.
Spain made moves to win her colonies back.
British leaders asked President Monroe to join
in a statement opposing new colonization of
the Americas.
Monroe Doctrine 1823
Issued by American President James Monroe
in 1823
Primary Objective: to ensure the freedom of
newly independent countries of Latin
America and keep them safe from European
intervention and control.
The Monroe Doctrine
European efforts to colonize land or interfere
within the Americas would be viewed by U.S.
as acts of aggression requiring US
intervention.
Asserted that the Western Hemisphere was not to
be further colonized by European countries.
The United States began its own imperialism in
1848 as a result of a war with Mexico.
What do you see here?
The Monroe Doctrine
Explanation on following slide.
Allyn Cox, Oil on Canvas, 1973-1974
Responding to Russian territorial claims along the northern
Pacific coast, and concerned that European nations would
attempt to seize recently independent Latin American states,
President James Monroe announced a new national policy. No
new colonies would be allowed in the Americas, and European
powers were not to interfere in the affairs of the Western
Hemisphere. This mural depicts a discussion among the
president and members of his cabinet; from left to right are
President James Monroe, Secretary of State John Quincy
Adams, Attorney General William Wirt, Secretary of War
John Calhoun, and Secretary of the Navy Samuel L. Southard.
http://www.aoc.gov/cc/art/cox_corr/g_exp/monroe.cfm?closeup=1
Independence in Latin America
How did the French and American Revolutions influence Latin
American independence movements?
Influence of the American and French Revolutions on the
Americas
Slaves in Haiti rebelled, abolished slavery, and won
independence.
Father Miguel Hidalgo started the Mexican independence
movement.
Independence came to French, Spanish, and Portuguese colonies.
Locations of selected countries that gained independence during
the 1800s
The contributions of Toussaint L’Ouverture and Simon Bolivar,
led to the development of independent states in Latin America
in the nineteenth century.
What were the contributions of Toussaint L’Ouverture and Simon
Bolivar to revolutions in Latin America?
Monroe Doctrine
After the American Revolution, the United States wished to
prevent foreign interference in America. The Monroe Doctrine
was issued in 1823, alerting European powers that the
American continents should not be considered for any future
colonization.
How did the Monroe Doctrine impact revolutions in Latin
America?
Monroe Doctrine was issued by American President, James
Monroe in 1823.
Latin American nations were acknowledged to be independent.
The United States would regard as a threat to its own peace and
safety any attempt by European powers to impose their system
on any independent state in the Western Hemisphere.
What influenced the people of Latin America to establish
independent nations?
The Latin American colonies of what three nations rebelled as a
result of the American and French revolutions?
Who led the rebellion in Haiti?
Who led the revolutions in South America?