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2.3 Independence Movements and Nation-State Formation

5 min readjuly 30, 2024

Latin American independence movements were a turning point in the region's history. Sparked by Enlightenment ideas and weakened European control, creole elites led the charge against colonial rule, inspired by the American and French Revolutions.

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The aftermath of independence brought challenges. New nations struggled with political instability, caudillo rule, and persistent social inequalities. Economic dependence on raw material exports and foreign loans shaped the region's development for years to come.

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Latin American Independence Movements

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Factors Leading to Independence

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  • implemented by the Spanish crown in the 18th century
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 - Aimed to increase control over the colonies and extract more wealth
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 - Led to growing discontent among creole elites
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  • Rise of Enlightenment ideas (natural rights, self-governance, liberty)
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 - Inspired Latin American intellectuals to question the legitimacy of colonial rule
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  • Successful examples of colonies breaking away from mother countries
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 - American Revolution (1765-1783)
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 - French Revolution (1789-1799)
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 - Established independent nations based on Enlightenment principles
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  • (1803-1815) weakened Spain's ability to maintain control over its colonies
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 - Spain was preoccupied with conflicts in Europe
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  • Increasing economic and political power of creole elites
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 - Born in the Americas but of European descent
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 - Sought greater autonomy and eventually independence from European rule
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Key Figures and Events

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  • , known as "The Liberator"
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 - Led independence movements in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia
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 - Envisioned a united Latin America, but faced challenges in realizing this goal
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  • , an Argentine general
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 - Played a crucial role in the independence of Argentina, Chile, and Peru
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 - Collaborated with Bolívar in the final stages of the Latin American Wars of Independence
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  • , a Mexican Catholic priest
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 - Initiated the [Mexican War of Independence](https://www.fiveableKeyTerm:Mexican_War_of_Independence) in 1810 with the "Cry of Dolores"
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 - Captured and executed in 1811, but his actions inspired further resistance against Spanish rule
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  • The (1824)
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 - Decisive military encounter in the Peruvian War of Independence
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 - Resulted in a patriot victory and effectively ended Spanish control in South America
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Enlightenment Influence on Independence

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Enlightenment Ideas and Thinkers

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  • , , and promoted ideas challenging absolute monarchies
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 - Natural rights, separation of powers, and the social contract
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 - Questioned the divine right of kings and the legitimacy of absolute monarchies
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  • (French Revolution)
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 - Proclaimed the equality of all citizens before the law
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 - Asserted the right to resist oppression
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 - Resonated with Latin American independence movements
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Impact of the American and French Revolutions

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  • American Revolution demonstrated successful colonial break from mother country
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 - Established a republic based on Enlightenment principles (liberty, equality, self-governance)
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  • French Revolution further spread Enlightenment ideas
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 - Inspired Latin American leaders (Simón Bolívar, José de San Martín)
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 - Encouraged fights for independence and the establishment of republican governments
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Challenges of Post-Independence Governance

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Political Instability

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  • Lack of experience with self-governance and absence of strong democratic institutions
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 - Difficult for newly independent nations to establish stable political systems
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  • Regional rivalries and conflicts between centralists and federalists
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 - Centralists favored strong central governments
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 - Federalists advocated for greater regional autonomy
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 - Led to political instability and civil wars in many Latin American countries
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  • Persistence of colonial-era social hierarchies
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 - White creole elite dominated political and economic power
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 - Exclusion and marginalization of indigenous peoples, Africans, and those of mixed race
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Caudillos and Dictatorships

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  • Caudillos were charismatic military leaders who often ruled as dictators
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 - Hindered the development of democratic institutions
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 - Led to frequent coups and political violence
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  • Examples of caudillos:
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 - [Antonio López de Santa Anna](https://www.fiveableKeyTerm:Antonio_López_de_Santa_Anna) (Mexico)
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 - [Juan Manuel de Rosas](https://www.fiveableKeyTerm:Juan_Manuel_de_Rosas) (Argentina)
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 - [Porfirio Díaz](https://www.fiveableKeyTerm:Porfirio_Díaz) (Mexico)
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 - [Rafael Carrera](https://www.fiveableKeyTerm:Rafael_Carrera) (Guatemala)
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Independence's Social and Economic Impact

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Limited Social Progress

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  • Colonial-era social hierarchies based on race, class, and gender largely remained intact
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 - Despite ideals of equality and liberty espoused during independence movements
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  • Gradual abolition of slavery
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 - Some countries maintained slavery until the late 19th century (Brazil)
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 - Others abolished it shortly after gaining independence (Mexico)
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  • Limited and redistribution of property
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 - Large landholdings (latifundios) remained in the hands of the creole elite
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 - Indigenous peoples and peasants often lost access to communal lands
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Economic Challenges

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  • Dependence on the export of raw materials to industrialized countries
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 - Agricultural products (coffee, sugar, cotton)
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 - Minerals (silver, gold, copper)
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 - Led to a cycle of boom and bust and vulnerability to global market fluctuations
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  • Need for foreign loans and investments
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 - Particularly from Britain and the United States
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 - Growing influence of these nations in Latin American affairs
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 - Sometimes resulted in direct interventions or the establishment of spheres of influence
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  • Examples of foreign economic influence:
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 - British investments in Argentine railways and the meat-packing industry
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 - United States involvement in the Cuban sugar industry and the Panama Canal
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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
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