8.3 Spanish South America
3 min read•june 24, 2024
South America's fight for independence was led by two key figures: Simón and José de . These men spearheaded military campaigns that freed several countries from Spanish rule, shaping the continent's future.
The independence movements ended colonial rule but didn't fully change social structures. While new nations adopted republican governments, the Creole elite kept their power. Economic systems stayed similar, with exports dominating and inequality persisting.
Independence Movements in Spanish South America
Simón Bolívar
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- Venezuelan military and political leader, pivotal role in Latin American independence movement against Spanish rule
- Born into wealthy Creole family, educated in Europe, influenced by Enlightenment ideas
- Joined independence movement in 1810, became prominent military leader
- Military campaigns liberated several countries in northern South America from Spanish rule
- Led fight for Venezuela's independence, achieved in 1821 after
- Key role in liberation of Colombia (then New Granada) and Ecuador
- Forces defeated Spanish at in 1819, securing Colombia's independence
- Political vision to create federation of independent Latin American states,
- Initially included present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama
- Internal divisions and regional differences led to dissolution shortly after Bolívar's death in 1830
José de San Martín
- Argentine general, primary leader of southern independence movement in South America
- Served in Spanish military before joining Argentine independence movement in 1812
- Recognized need to liberate Chile and Peru to secure Argentina's independence
- Led , military force that crossed from Argentina into Chile
- Remarkable military feat, traversing high altitudes and harsh conditions
- Defeated Spanish at in 1817, leading to liberation of Chile
- Focused on liberating Peru from Spanish rule after securing Chilean independence
- Led expedition to Peru in 1820, proclaimed Peruvian independence in 1821
- Struggle for Peru's complete independence continued until 1824
- Met with Simón Bolívar in Guayaquil, Ecuador, in 1822 to discuss future of Latin America
- Different visions for region: San Martín favored constitutional monarchy, Bolívar advocated for republican system
- San Martín stepped aside, leaving final liberation of Peru to Bolívar, recognizing need for unified command
Lasting Impacts
- End of Spanish colonial rule, establishment of independent nation-states
- Challenge of creating stable governments and defining national identities
- Many new nations adopted republican forms of government, inspired by Enlightenment, American and French Revolutions
- Limited impact on existing social hierarchies in South America
- Creole elite, who led independence movements, largely maintained privileged positions post-independence
- Indigenous peoples and those of mixed ancestry () continued to face discrimination and marginalization
- Economic structures remained largely unchanged after independence
- Economies relied on export of raw materials and agricultural products, limited industrial development
- Land ownership concentrated in hands of small elite, perpetuating social and economic inequalities
- Legacy includes formation of distinct national identities, development of regional solidarity
- Shared experience of struggle for independence fostered sense of common history and culture
- Political instability, regional rivalries, and influence of foreign powers continued to shape development throughout 19th and 20th centuries
Key Terms to Review (19)
Andes Mountains: The Andes Mountains are the longest continental mountain range in the world, stretching along the western edge of South America from Venezuela down to Chile. This majestic range has significantly influenced the culture, economy, and geography of Spanish South America, serving as a natural barrier and impacting trade, agriculture, and settlement patterns throughout history.
Army of the Andes: The Army of the Andes was a military force led by the revolutionary leader José de San Martín during the early 19th century, primarily aimed at liberating South America from Spanish colonial rule. This army played a crucial role in the liberation of Chile and Peru, showcasing both military strategy and cooperation among various South American regions in their quest for independence from Spanish control.
Battle of Boyacá: The Battle of Boyacá was a decisive military engagement that took place on August 7, 1819, between the forces of the United Provinces of New Granada and the Spanish colonial army. This battle is considered a turning point in the struggle for independence in Spanish South America, as it led to the liberation of New Granada (present-day Colombia) from Spanish rule and was crucial for the broader liberation movement across the continent. The victory at Boyacá solidified Simón Bolívar's reputation as a leader and strategist in the fight for independence.
Battle of Carabobo: The Battle of Carabobo was a decisive military engagement fought on June 24, 1821, during the Venezuelan War of Independence. It marked a significant turning point in the struggle against Spanish colonial rule in South America and solidified the path toward independence for Venezuela, paving the way for the eventual liberation of other territories in the region.
Battle of Chacabuco: The Battle of Chacabuco was a decisive military engagement that took place on February 12, 1817, during the Chilean War of Independence. This battle marked a significant turning point in the struggle against Spanish colonial rule in South America, leading to the liberation of Chile and inspiring further revolutionary efforts across the continent.
Battle of Maipú: The Battle of Maipú was a decisive conflict fought on April 5, 1818, during the Chilean War of Independence, where the forces of the Chilean patriots led by Bernardo O'Higgins and José de San Martín achieved a significant victory over the Spanish royalists. This battle marked a crucial turning point in the struggle for independence in Spanish South America, establishing Chile as a sovereign nation and weakening Spanish control in the region. The victory at Maipú not only solidified the Chilean patriots' hold on power but also contributed to the broader movement for independence across South America.
Bolívar: Simón Bolívar was a Venezuelan military and political leader who played a crucial role in the independence movements across South America during the early 19th century. Known as 'El Libertador,' Bolívar was instrumental in liberating several countries from Spanish colonial rule, including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. His vision of a united Latin America and his efforts to establish democratic governments greatly influenced the political landscape of Spanish South America.
Caudillismo: Caudillismo refers to a political system characterized by the dominance of strong leaders, known as caudillos, who exercise authority through personal charisma and military power rather than through established institutions. This phenomenon emerged in Spanish South America following independence and is marked by a lack of stable governance and frequent power struggles, as these leaders often relied on their personal armies to maintain control.
Congress of Panama: The Congress of Panama was a diplomatic conference held in 1826 aimed at promoting unity and cooperation among the newly independent states of Latin America. It was significant as it represented an early attempt to establish regional solidarity and collaboration following the wave of independence movements that swept through Spanish South America in the early 19th century.
Creoles: Creoles are individuals of European descent born in the colonies, particularly in Latin America, who often held significant social and political power. They were distinct from peninsulares, who were Spaniards born in Spain, and played a crucial role in the development of colonial societies, especially during the movements for independence across Spanish South America.
El Libertador: El Libertador, meaning 'The Liberator' in Spanish, is a title most famously associated with Simón Bolívar, a key figure in the independence movements across South America during the early 19th century. Bolívar played a crucial role in liberating several countries from Spanish colonial rule, including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. His vision extended beyond just military victories; he aimed to unite these newly independent nations into a single federation known as Gran Colombia.
Encomienda system: The Encomienda system was a labor system instituted by the Spanish crown during the colonization of the Americas, which granted Spanish settlers the right to extract forced labor and tribute from Indigenous people in exchange for their protection and Christianization. This system was a significant aspect of European colonization efforts and played a key role in the economic development of Spanish colonies while leading to widespread abuse and exploitation of Native populations.
Enlightenment ideals: Enlightenment ideals are principles that emerged during the Enlightenment, a cultural and intellectual movement of the 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of authority. These ideals greatly influenced political thought, leading to calls for democracy, human rights, and social contracts that challenged existing structures in various societies, including Spanish South America.
Gran Colombia: Gran Colombia was a short-lived republic that existed from 1819 to 1831, encompassing the territories of present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama. This political entity emerged from the independence movements against Spanish colonial rule and aimed to unify the region into a single nation-state, reflecting the aspirations of leaders like Simón Bolívar and Francisco de Miranda.
Haciendas: Haciendas were large estates or plantations in Spanish-speaking regions, primarily focused on agriculture and livestock. They played a crucial role in the colonial economy, as they were centers for production, labor, and social hierarchy, particularly in the context of land use and labor systems established during colonization.
Mestizos: Mestizos are individuals of mixed European and Indigenous American ancestry, a demographic that emerged during the colonial period in Latin America. This group played a crucial role in shaping social, cultural, and political dynamics in both Spanish North and South America, particularly in the context of colonial hierarchies and later revolutionary movements.
Republicanism: Republicanism is a political ideology that emphasizes the importance of a government based on elected representatives and an emphasis on civic virtue and the common good. It advocates for a system where power rests with the people, who elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, promoting ideals of democracy and individual rights. This ideology played a significant role in shaping the political landscape during revolutions and independence movements, where the quest for self-governance and liberty was paramount.
San Martín: José de San Martín was an Argentine general and the primary leader of the southern part of South America's successful struggle for independence from Spanish rule. He is celebrated as a national hero in several countries, including Argentina, Chile, and Peru, where his military strategies and vision for a united South America played a crucial role in liberation efforts against Spanish colonialism.
Viceroyalties: Viceroyalties were large administrative divisions established by Spain in the Americas to govern vast territories on behalf of the Spanish crown. These regions were headed by viceroys, who acted as the king's representative and had significant authority over military, economic, and political matters. Viceroyalties played a crucial role in the Spanish colonial system, facilitating control and administration over South America during its colonization.