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