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Paraguay Gains Its Independence
The Paraguayan people were discontent with Spanish rule in 1811. They realized that the Spaniards' rule in South America was at an end, and that they could rule themselves. This inspired many neighboring territories to do the same. Picture from: http://noticiasdesdeelfindelmundo.blogspot.com/2011/05/la-sombra-de-facundo-quiroga-iv-el-caso.html?z#!/2011/05/la-sombra-de-facundo-quiroga-iv-el-caso.html -
Venezuela Officially Declares Independence
Venezuela was the first Latin American country to be conquered by Simón Bolívar. The independence of Venezuela was a large step in weakening European control in Latin America. Bolívar would use Venezuela to liberate Colombia 8 years later. Picture from: http://www.voyagesphotosmanu.com/independence_of_venezuela.html -
Argentina Declares Independence From Spain
In 1816, an assembly met in San Miguel de Tucumán and began composing a constitution for Argentina. While the Argentine War for Independence had not been won at this point in time, an independent Argentina still served as an example for other Latin American countries. Fighting yet another war weakened the power of Spain. Picture from: http://everydaysaholiday.org/independence-argentina/ -
Chile Declares Independence From Spain
Chile's declaration of independence was not desired by all Chileans, which led to some problems in Chile's War of Independence. While Chilean independentists were supported by other free countries, they still had to fight both Spaniards and royalists. Losing Chile struck yet another blow to the weakening Spanish empire. Picture from: http://everydaysaholiday.org/chilean-independence/ -
Simón Bolívar Takes Control of Colombia
Simón Bolívar led his forces to victory in the Battle of Boyacá on August 7th, 1819, which granted him control of Bogota, Colombia. This effectively freed Colombia of Spanish control. After 3 years, Spanish resistance in Colombia had been dealt with. This, along with the independence of Venezuela, would spark uprisings all over Latin America. Picture from: http://latinamericanhistory.about.com/od/latinamericaindependence/p/09boyaca.htm -
Peru Declares Independence
Peru was one of the final Latin American countries to gain independence from Spain. Peru was the main part of the last foothold Spain had in South America. The defeat of the Viceroyalty of Peru three years later would officially make Peru and all of South America independent of Spanish control. Picture from: http://www.about-peru-history.com/peru-independence.html -
Ecuador Becomes Independent
After the defeat of the Spanish at the Battle of Pichincha, Ecuador became liberated from Spanish control. Ecuador was the first country to rise up against Spanish control in 1809 (which started rebellions throughout Latin America), but it was not until 1822 that Ecuadorian forces were successful. Ecuador becme a part of Gran Colombia (parts of South and Central America) after its liberation. Picture from: http://www.galapagosislands.com/newsletter/archive/pichincha-battle-ecuador.html -
Bolivia Becomes Independent
Bolivia fought for 16 years to become independent from Spain. It was the very last Latin American country to become free of Spanish control. With the Spaniards' defeat at the Battle of Ayacucho, Bolivia became free of Spanish control, and Spain lost all of its control of South America. Picture from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sucre1.jpg -
Uruguay Becomes Independent of All Control
Uruguay initially became independent from Spain on May 18, 1811. However, it was conquered by Portugal in 1817, and then came under the control of the Brazilian Empire in 1822 when Brazil became independent of Portugal. This eventually led to the establishment of the present day country of Uruguay. Picture from: https://rauman.wikispaces.com/Newberry3 -
The War of the Triple Alliance Begins
This war caused, proportionally, more deaths than any other war in modern history. It began when Uruguay attacked Brazil, and Paraguay decided to help Uruguay; however, Uruguay switched sides and formed an alliance with Brazil and Argentina. This war would completely devastate Paraguay, and kill most of its male population. Image from: http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/War_of_the_Triple_Alliance.aspx
