Napoleon's invasion of Spain (1807-1808) provided the spark the rebels needed. Napoleon, seeking to expand his empire, attacked and defeated Spain, and he put his elder brother Joseph on the Spanish throne. This act made for a perfect excuse for secession,<u><em> and by the time Spain had gotten rid of Joseph in 1813 most of their former colonies had declared themselves independent.</em></u>
<u><em>Spain fought valiantly to hold on to its rich colonies.</em></u>
