The Spanish American Wars of Independence

A series of conflicts through which most of Spain's American territories became independent states.

Background

Colonial society was divided by caste and by the privileges of Spanish-born officials over American-born elites. Enlightenment ideas and the examples of the United States and Haiti circulated widely, and Napoleon's invasion of Spain in 1808 removed the legitimate authority that had held the empire together.

Course of events

Local juntas formed in 1810 and fighting spread across the continent. Simón Bolívar led campaigns in the north, including the victory at Boyacá in 1819, while José de San Martín helped liberate Argentina, Chile and Peru. Mexico reached independence in 1821, and the last major royal army was defeated at Ayacucho in 1824.

Legacy

A group of new republics emerged, though several suffered long civil conflicts and unequal social structures. Bolívar's dream of a united Spanish America failed, and the region fragmented into separate nations.