Latin American Revolutions

Definition

The Latin American Revolutions were a series of rebellions during the late 18th and early 19th centuries that resulted in various Latin American countries gaining independence from European colonial powers.

Related terms

Monroe Doctrine: An American foreign policy opposing interference in the Western hemisphere from outside powers, essentially telling Europe "hands off" newly independent nations.

Creole Elites: Descendants of Europeans born in Latin America who lived there permanently; typically wealthy landowners or merchants who played major roles in these revolutions for independence.

Spanish-American Wars of Independence: A series of military conflicts that took place in the Americas between Spain and several of its colonies, which had declared independence.