Causes In the late1700’s, the Enlightenment and revolutionary ideas spread from Europe to the U.S. and Latin America. Educated L
atin American creoles read the works of Enlightenment writers and became inspired. The success of the American Revolution showed that European rule could be overthrown in the Americas, which influenced Latin American revolutionaries. Latin Americans were also inspired by what the Third estate was able to accomplish in France by overthrowing an absolute monarch. Revolutionary Leaders Toussaint L’Overture = leader of a slave revolt in Haiti. He was a self- educated and familiar with the works of the Enlightenment and wanted to lead his people to liberty. He proved to be an effective military leader and gained control of most of the island. Haitian slaves won their freedom in 1798 due in large part to this nationalistic leader. Simon Bolivar = educated creole in South America, who led revolutions in many northern parts of the continent. He was known as the “Liberator” because he helped led a series of military campaigns that gained independence for Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. Father Miguel Hidalgo = organized a resistance movement in present day Mexico in the early 1800’s. Father Hidalgo was killed and his death rallied the people of Mexico to organize a revolution to gain independence from Spain. Results Despite victories against the Spanish and Europeans, Latin America became divided into a number of separate independent states. These nations faced a long struggle after obtaining independence to gain stability, achieve social equality (creoles became the dominant class) and eliminate poverty. Answer the following: 1. List 3 causes of the Latin American revolutions. 2. Which revolutionary leader had the biggest impact on Latin America? Why? 3. Why were there struggles in Latin America after gaining independence? pleaseee really urgent need by tomorow!!!
