-
José de San Martín
Martín began his military career as a cadet in the Murcia infantry regiment. In 1808, he served the Sevilla in the war on behalf of the Spanish king, Ferdinand. Martín then was promoted lieutenant colonel and then to the command of the Sagunto Dragoons. He instead sought to go to Lima, which he ended up going to Buenos Aires. Martín was given the task to organize a corps of grenadiers. San Martín later explains that he sacrificed his military career for his native home land’s call. -
Manuela Saénz
A mistress to Simón Bolívar, Sáenz shared the same revolutionary views as her lover did, supporting him. She saved him from conspirators in 1828 in Bogotá, Colombia. Unfortunately, his death in 1830 caused her to attempt a (failed) suicide. She was exiled twice from Lima and Bogotá from her efforts in the revolution. -
Independence from Spain
Video 3Independence from Spain was granted in a sudden manner to many parts of Latin America - Mexico, Northern South America, Southern South America, and the Caribbean. Although Spanish forces eliminated revolts and protests quickly, the desire to become independent burned strong in the minds of the Latin Americans, even since the American Revolution. Each region had their own independent thoughts and leaderships, and Spain had to fight ferociously to hold on to their colonies. -
Period: to
Biography of Jose Miguel Carrera
Jose Miguel Carrera LinkHe was a military and Chilean politician leading in the process of independence. Carrera met Jose de San Martin in Cadiz in 1806-1808. When Napoleon invaded Spain, Carrera joined the Spanish army in September 1808 and in April 1809. He was called back to fight in 1811 with the rank of master sergeant. He was then sent to prison. Once he got out, he began to represent the province of Santiago by joining the new Board of Governors. -
The August 10 Movement in Quito, Ecuador
The August 10 movement was the spark that kicked off the Independence movement in Latin America and that the brief government of the citizens of Quito was the first republic in the New World. -
Biography of Simon Bolívar
Video 4Simon Bolivar Bolívar was a Liberator of South America. Both him and San Martín believed that all Spaniards should be removed from South America. Bolívar wanted to gain independence for Venezuela in 1810. He soon lead revolts in New Granda, also known as Columbia, and Ecuador. He would now be known as the "Liberator of Venezuela" and crushed the last existing Spanish army. -
Period: to
Independence Days in Latin America
Video 2Independence Days In Latin America, many countries gained their independence in the years 1810-1825. Venezuela’s Independence Day is on April 19, 1810. Venezuela received its independence from Spain and cut off all ties with that country. Argentina’s official Independence Day is July 1816. Argentina battled all throughout the days of May. On July 20, 1810, Colombia won independence from Spain. Mexico proclaimed independence from Spain on September 16, 1810. -
Bernardo O'Higgins
O'Higgins He was the chief liberator of Chile and its first leader after independence was gained. He lead the nation from 1817-1823. O’Higgins also became the commander in chief of the rebel groups fighting for Chilean independence from Spain in 1814. He later joined forces with Jose de San Martin and crossed the Andes Mountains and defeated the Spaniards in Chacabuco, near Santiago. O’Higgins was then named the Supreme Director of Chile. -
The Battle of Rancagua
BattleOn October 2, 1814, the Battle of Rancagua occurred. Many believe that this battle was instrumental in the Chilean War of Independence. This battle was between the Anishinable Army and the Army of the White Confederation led by England. They fought for control of South America. The whites had finally gained control of Chile. -
The Battle of Maipu
A battle fought near Santiago, Chile on April 5, 1818 between South American rebels and Spanish royalists, during the Chilean War of Independence. -
Simon Bolívar Crosses the Andes
Video 5Crossing the AndesIn the year of 1819 in May, war was raging in Venezuela as they fought for independence. Simon Bolivar, who was one of the greatest liberators of all time, saw that Colombia was not defended while they were in war. Bolivar felt as if he needed to go there and help out the Colombians. He and his army made their way across the Andes Mountains and attacked the enemy when they were least expecting it. -
-
The Battle of Junin
A military engagement of the Peruvian War of Independence, fought in the highlands of the Junín Region On August 6, 1824. Although in actuality this battle would qualify as little more than a skirmish, this military engagement greatly enhanced the morale of the victorious independentists, with a first win in Perú. -
The Liberators of South America
The Liberators of South America was people (mainly men) that were a big part of what made the Independence of South America possible. These people were put in the history books because they made history. They fought war and battles on the field and in the minds of people and were overall successful in their endeavours. -
Biography of José Martí
He was a Cuban National Hero. He was an important figure in the Latin American Literature and he was also a poet. He was an Essayist and publisher and he was a part of the Cuban Freemasons. Through his writings, he became a symbol for Cuba’s fight for independence from Spain. His death was a cry for Independence from Spain by all Cuban’s alike. -
Economic Change in Latin America
After the late 1800’s, Latin America entered a new age of prosperity, which included a massive export of wheat, beef, coffee, bananas, sugar and silver from Argentina, Brazil, and Central America, respectively. These food exports were often traded for industrial machines such as textiles and luxury items. Not only did the economy burst in growth, but also the middle sectors of Latin American society, in which there was an increase of occupations such as doctors, lawyers, and schoolteachers. -
Political Change in Latin America
The United States began to intervene in Latin American affairs in effect from being one of the world powers. As a result, Cuba became a Unites States protectorate and Puerto Rico was annexed to the U.S. Many countries were being occupied by the “big bully from the north,” such as Haiti and Nicaragua. Not only did the U.S. oppress the Latin American countries, dictators from within Latin America were supported by landowners who had interests of the elites in power. -
Hugo Chávez
Chávez grew very unsuccessful during his lifetime of playing baseball professionally and working on his studies, which he graduated near the bottom of his class in 1975. Instead, he entered the military career and failed again when he and his troops, who were responsible for capturing President Perez. Unlike the other rebel leaders who were successful, Chávez, who had the key part of the operation, was unable to execute his part. He then surrendered and addressed his co-conspirators to as well. -
