History of Latin American Independence: Timeline, and Summary

Latin American Independence, history, and timeline play an important role in the socio-political scenario of current American society. The pre-colonial period when many indigenous groups used to rule over the land, then the discovery of America leading to European invasion, and lately the revolution against the exploitation and suppression of the lower classes of society had a direct impact on the present governance ideology, social issues, and demographical structure of America. Also, all these events are responsible for the formation of present-day America. So to understand the vast Continent, one must learn about its history.

Latin American Independence- Background

Latin American Independence movements emerged in the early 19th century, fueled by Enlightenment ideals and resentment towards colonial rule. Influenced by events like the American and French Revolutions, figures like Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín led campaigns across the region. By 1825, most Spanish and Portuguese colonies had achieved independence, reshaping the political landscape of Latin America and inspiring nationalist sentiments across the globe.

Pre-Columbian Latin America (10,000 BCE-1500BCE)

• Before the discovery of Latin America by Christopher Columbus, many indigenous civilizations such as Aztecs, Maya, and Incas used to be the natives of the landmass.
• During this period society had a structured political, social, and economic system
• Evidence related to advanced agriculture methods has been found. During that time these groups used to cultivate maize, squash, potatoes, beans, etc. Also, they have advanced irrigation systems, terrace farming, and crop rotation methods to support their population.
• Many cities, temples, and other monumental architectures were built during the period, evidence of which can be seen in the citadel of Machu Picchu, the Mayan cities of Tikal and Chichen Itza.
• Indigenous culture has developed intrinsic arts, and complex writing systems such as Maya hieroglyphs, pottery, sculpture, and textiles
• Trade practices were followed by the exchange of cacao, feathers, gold, and textiles built in a huge trading network.
• During this era, people used to worship nature in the form of gods and agriculture and their rituals used to be associated with the agricultural practice and produce.

Latin America Colonial Period (1492-1700)

In 1492, with the first voyage of Christopher Columbus, interest of European power shifted toward the newly discovered America. Later, the exploration by Europe resulted in Colonisation in Latin America and the end of pre-Columbian empires.

Spanish Colonisation

• Emergence of Spanish Colonies
  • During the late 15th century, under the Queen Isabella and King Ferenand II, span started its exploration of colonization in America.
  • Spanish rulers initiated their expedition to colonise America starting with Caribbeanian Islands
  • Later conquering Aztec-Empire in 1521, Spain invaded present day Mexico and Inca empire in South America.
  • In 1532, Present day peru was taken under colonial governance by Spain on defeating Inca empire.
• Changes occur under Spanish Colonization
  • Spanish government on establishing colonialisation vested the ruling authority to theSpanish Royals.
  • The colonies were divided in viceroyalties which were governed by Spanish crown. Also authorities and courts were form to administer justice, enforcement of law and regulation.
  • Spanish settlers got control over the indigenous people and they were exploited for exchange of protection and religious conversion.Also class system was created by discriminating indigenous people and african slave from poor blood Snaish population.
  • Natural resources of latin america were also exploited through mining silver and establishing large scale plantation of sugar, tobacco cacao.
  • Monopolisation was established in the colonial trade by restricting trading in favour of Spanish colonial government.
  • The native indigenous people were forced to follow christianity by establsihing missions and convents. Also, as an impact of colonisation, Spanish became the dominant in language culture, and architecture leaving a lasting effect on American society.

Portugal Colonisation

• Emergence of Portugal CPortuguese
  • Portugese rule in Latin America was initiated in Brazil, which was the largest colony established by Portugal invaders.
  • In early 1500, portugal explorar discovered Brazil, and claimed the territory of Portugul. Major reason for colonising this part of land was brazilian wood.
  • The colonial administration of Brazil was administered by the official appointed by oversea governance.Trade posts were established in the coast
• Changes During Portugal’s Colonisation
  • The colonial government established sugar plantation as Brazil’s economy was dependent on sugar cultivation.
  • The discovery of gold and minerals let to the gold rush in 17th and 18th century.Also,The colonial government used the indigenous people and african people as their slaves to work as labourer.
  • There was a trade monopoly established by the Portugal, restricting other european power by the mercantalism system
  • In this region of Brazil, Portugal colonies were forces to convert and follow catholicism, establishing missions, churches and religious order.

French Colonisation

• Along with Spain and Portugues, France made many attempts establish french colonies in the northern part of America(Canada), but it short-lived.
• One of the significant colony of france was the Haithi. This colony was the wealthiest in the Caribbean due to sugar and coffee plantations.
• Guiana which was used for free settlement and other colonies like Guadeloupe were also exploited extensively for sugar production by french colonial government appointed by overseas rules.

Latin American Independence Timeline

The Latin American Independence movement was a complex and multifaceted series of events spanning from the late 18th to the mid-19th centuries. It was characterized by a combination of internal discontent, external influences, and charismatic leadership.

• The timeline begins with the American and French Revolutions, which inspired Latin American intellectuals to question colonial rule. In 1808, Napoleon’s invasion of Spain triggered a crisis of legitimacy, leading to the establishment of juntas to govern in the absence of the Spanish monarchy. This period saw initial attempts at self-governance in places like Mexico and Venezuela.
• By the 1810s, figures such as Simón Bolívar in northern South America and José de San Martín in the southern cone began leading military campaigns against Spanish rule. Major battles like the Battle of Boyacá (1819) and the Battle of Ayacucho (1824) secured decisive victories for the independence movements.
• Throughout the 1820s and 1830s, former Spanish colonies declared their independence, forming new nations such as Colombia, Argentina, Chile, and Mexico. However, the process was not without challenges, including internal divisions, resistance from loyalist forces, and intervention from European powers.
• By the mid-19th century, the majority of Latin American countries had achieved formal independence, although the legacy of colonialism continued to shape their societies and economies for years to come. The period marked a significant turning point in the region’s history, laying the foundations for the diverse nations that exist in Latin America today.

Cause of Latin American Independence in 19th Century

There were multiple reasons which led to the revolution against the colonial governance. Also some events such as French revolution, rise of enlightenment, rising popularity of self governance due to Nepoleon’s victory had a intense effect on the though of the indegeneous and other suppressed classes of the colonial society to revolt and claim for independence of American states. Certain key factor that caused the rise of American Revolution.

• Forced labour and Exploitation
  • The indigenous people and the african slaves were forced and exploited to labour in plantation, mining and other industrial sector.
  • Certain systems like Encomienda Repartimiento which granted power to landowner of control over the indegeneos labor resulted in abuse and excessive demand.
• Economic Exploitation and Inequality
  • Labour were exploited and forced to serve in increasing wealth of european power.
  • Also establishment of monoply in trade and heavy taxation had adverse effect and destroyed local trade for indigenous people.
• Imposition of Chrishtianity and suppression of culture
  • The Colonial government had forced the native to convert their religion and follow christianity resulting existence crisis of their original culture and tradition
  • Colonial languages were more dominant in society leading to marginalisation indigenous languages and its popularity
• Racial Discrimination and Social Heirarchy
  • Colonial rule has established racial discrimination by giving the power of authority to the pure blood spanish and portugals.
  • The social heirarchy formed due to racial discrimination led the indegeneous people and african slaves felt unheard and neglected.
• Loss of territory and land disputes
  • Due to colonisation, the native population lost their ownership over land and were displaced by the colonial government.
  • The native people in response use to conflict and resist to get back their land.
• Influence of Movement in other part of the world
  • Idea of enlightenment and revolutionary movements in Europe had created the sense of independence within the suppressed section of the colonial society.
  • Victory of Napoleon on Spanish Rule gave the confidence to the colonial slaves to rebel against the government and demand for independence and self governance.

Latin American Independence Leaders

Latin American Independence was led by a cadre of visionary leaders whose courage and determination left an indelible mark on the history of the region. Foremost among them were Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín. Bolívar, known as the “Liberator,” played a pivotal role in the liberation of northern South America, leading military campaigns across present-day Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. His vision of a united South America inspired nationalist movements throughout the continent.

José de San Martín, often referred to as the “Protector of Peru,” led the independence efforts in the southern cone, notably in Argentina and Chile. He orchestrated the military campaign that culminated in the decisive Battle of Maipú, securing Chilean independence, and later crossed the Andes to liberate Peru.

These leaders, alongside countless others, mobilized diverse populations and rallied them against colonial oppression, ultimately paving the way for the emergence of sovereign nations across Latin America. Their legacies continue to resonate in the region’s collective memory, serving as symbols of resilience and aspiration for generations to come.

Revolutions in Latin America

During the late 1700 to 1800s America has gone through several revolution during the post colonial period. Most significant revolutions are Haitan Revolution, Brazilian revolution, Mexico War of independence, Central America war of independence and South America war of independence.

Haitan Revolution(1791-1804)

• Haithi Revolution was the result of the brutal exploitation of slaves in French Saint-Domingue (Haiti)with a mission of the abolition of slavery and the establishment of Haiti as the first independent black republic.
• Significant persons in this revolution were Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines who encouraged enslaved Africans rising against their French oppressors.
• The revolution was successful in 1804 by the defeat of French forces and the declaration of independence.

Mexico War of Independence(1810-1821):

• Mexican war of Independence was the key event that overthrow the Spanish colonial rule of America.
• The significant leaders in this revolution were Miguel Hidalgo and José María Morelos.
• Although the control of colonial rule had loosened up earlier due to internal disputes the final independence was declared in 1821.

Brazilian Independence (1822)

• The portugal royal declared the prince Dom Pedro as the ruler without giving the full power of self-governance that led to the movement of independence in Brazil.
• Dom Pedro, son of the Portuguese king, declared Brazil’s independence from Portugal in 1822, establishing himself as Emperor Dom Pedro I to create a better autonomy.
• Brazilian Independence movement was the major event in the course of decline of Portugal colonial rule.
• Brazilian independence was achieved relatively peacefully compared to other regions in Latin America.

Central America War of independence(19th century)

• Countries of the Central american region fought against the Spanish rule which include Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras.
• The independence was achieved by military, political and alliance with neighboring region.
• Significant leader in this war were José Cecilio del Valle in Honduras and José Matías Delgado.

South America War of Independence(19th century)

• South America of independence was based on the idea of liberty equality, fought against spanish rule.
• Leader such as Simón Bolívar, José de San Martín, and Bernardo O’Higgins had a significant role.

Post-Independence of Latin American Independence

• After the long period of struggle and revolution against the colonial rule, Latin america was independent. But this was not the end rather it was the begining of the newly independent nation which was going to face instablity, lack of governance, lack of income etc.
• During the early period of Post independence, Latin america focused on industrialisation modernisation, and land reforms. Also one of the major concern was establishing social and economic stability in the country.
• Although the country has so many issues, but the nation soon recover itself from the damages caused during the colonial rule. Hence emernged as a strong democratic and stable economy.

Conclusion

Latin America, which was undiscovered till 1492 had seen a huge transformation in its social, political and economical structure from pre-columbian era to colonial period till independence. Massive exploitation of the indigenous and African slaves, loss of land, and inspirational ideas of external revolution encouraged the suppressed section of the society to rebel against the oppressors. Many significant leaders had initiated the revolutions in various places of this continent with a unified ideology of being an independent nation. Revolutions in different part of latin America may not has ended at the same period, but worked as fuel of encouragement to the rebellions. All the hardships, wars movements can be claimed to be successful and effective by the end of 19th century and hence resulted to the rise of a independent and strong federal nation.

FAQ on Latin America Independence: Timeline,Summary, Movement with Map

When did Latin america become independent?

In 1836, most of the countries in Latin America became independent except Puerto Rico and Cuba, gained independence.

Which Spanish American country became independent from1800 to 1830?

The Spanish American Countries that became independent in 1800 to 1830 were Uruguay, Para- guay, Chile, Mexico, Ecuador, the United Provinces of Central America, Peru, Bo- livia, Columbia, and Venezuela

Why did Creoles Leaders fight for independence?

Creoles were the second class of the Spanish colonial society of latin america. They were rich business man who were also educated due to which they felt the need of power of ruling to be recognised among the first class people in Spanish colonial society. Hence decided to fight for independence

Who cocolonized America?

People from the royals and European power especially Spainiards and Portuguese colonised latin America

Is Latin America and America different?

Latin america is referred to mostly the regions of south america where the Spanish and Portugal languages are more dominant where as America is commonly refer as the north America.