Latin American Revolutions

Start of the Haitian Revolution

1791

In August 1791, enslaved Africans rose up against their French white masters. They were led by Toussaint L'Ouverture and, later, Jean-Jacques Dessaline. They revolted because of the horrible working conditions they faced as slave, and the fact that they were kept powerless. In addition, slaves drastically outnumbered the masters, so they had numbers on their side.

End of the Haitian Revolution

Jan 1, 1804

The Haitian Revolution ended on January 1, 1804. On this date, Dessaline and the Haitians declared independence from France. In the process, they had abolished slavery. All in all, the revolution was successful, but Haiti continued to face economic problems and international hostility.

Start of the Mexican Revolution

Sep 16, 1810

The Mexican Revolution began with Father Hidalgo ringing his church bells in his village, calling for a rebellion against the Spanish. The Mestizos and the Indians led the first revolt, but were suppressed by Creoles. Later on, Creoles successfully rose up and achieved independence from the Spanish.

Start of the South American Revolution

1811

In 1811, Venezuela declared their independence, and kicked off the South American Revolutions. They were led by Simon Bolivar, Jose de San Martin, and Bernardo O'Higgins. The Revolution was started in part because Creoles were influenced by Enlightenment ideas and the French and American Revolution. When Napoleon took over Spain, Creoles seized their chance and tried to break away from Europe.

End of the Mexican Revolution

1821

The Mexican Revolution ended when Agustin de Iturbide declared independence from Spain. The creoles maintained control of Mexico's government and society, but they also inspired Central American countries to declare their independence, too.

Start of the Brazilian Revolution

1822

The Brazilian Revolution started in 1822 when creoles demanded that Brazil declare its independence from Portugal, so that they would not have to return to colonial status. The petitioned Dom Pedro, the son of the king of Portugal, to become their ruler.

End of the Brazilian Revolution

Sep 7, 1822

Brazil declared its independence from Portugal. They set up their own country with its own king.

End of the South American Revolution

Dec 9, 1824

The South American Revolutions ended with the Battle of Ayacucho, in which Bolivar defeated the combined Spanish forces. The result was the formation of Gran Colombia, which encompassed many of the modern South American countries.