Latin American Revolutions ESSENTIAL QUESTION How did Latin

Latin American Revolutions ESSENTIAL QUESTION: How did Latin American countries achieve their independence?

TEKS and Objectives We will… (9 C) trace the influence of the American and French Revolutions on Latin America, including the role of Simon Bolivar I will… • Write a journal predicting the motivations of different social classes in Latin America calling for political change

The Road to Latin American Independence • Colonial System • Latin America colonized by Europe, specially Spain • Used mercantilism to gain wealth from colonies • Catholic missionaries converted natives

The Road to Latin American Independence • Unequal Social Hierarchy • Peninsulares (Europeans) at the top of society • Enforced mercantilism and maintained order • Creoles • Had land wealth • No political power

The Road to Latin American Independence • Large Mixed-Race Population • Mestizos and Mulattos • No political rights • Native and Slaves • Bottom of the social hierarchy • Worked for creoles on plantations

Journal Entry Which social group do you think will lead Latin American Revolutions and why? African slaves in Haiti Creoles in South America Indians in Mexico

Revolutionary Ideas Spread to Latin America • French and American Revolutions • Inspired colonists • People demanded a government that protected their interests • Napoleonic Wars • Colonists governed themselves during conflict • King of Spain was restored • Re-imposed colonial system • Colonists demanded independence

Revolution in Haiti • Haiti • French colony in the Caribbean • Sugar plantation owners brutal to African slaves • Toussaint L’Overture • Led a slave uprising • Haiti became first Latin American country to gain independence

Revolutions in South America • Creoles • Inspired by Enlightenment • Demanded more rights • Simon Bolivar • Creole from Venezuela • Helped create the new nations of Grand Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia

Revolutions in South America • San Martin • Creole from Argentina • Helped create the new nations of Argentina, Chile, and Peru

Revolution in Mexico • Miguel Hidalgo • Catholic priest • Poor but well-educated • Led an army of 8, 000 Natives and Mestizos against Spain • Killed during the rebellion

Revolution in Mexico • Turning Point • Creoles joined revolutionaries against Spain • Mexican independence granted • Mexico became a republic

Post-Colonial Latin America • Unstable Governments • No experience with selfgovernment • Suffered from corruption and economic instability • Caudillos • Military dictators • Seized power in many countries • Made few reforms for citizens

Post-Colonial Latin America • Monroe Doctrine • U. S. warned Europe to stay out of the Western Hemisphere • Latin American became dependent on the U. S.