There were several factors that inspired the Latin American independence movements in the early 1800s. One factor was the success of the American Revolution. Our revolution showed other countries that it was possible to rebel against a strong colonial power. Our revolution also explained under what circumstances a revolution would be justified. The people in the Latin American countries believed these conditions existed in their countries.

The people in the Latin American countries weren’t happy with the rule by Spain. The Spanish wouldn’t allow free trade. The colonies had to trade with Spain, even if they could get products cheaper from other countries. The Spanish rarely gave government jobs to people born in the Americas. These jobs went to people born in Spain. This made many people, especially the Creoles, unhappy. When Napoleon invaded Spain in 1808, the door was open for the revolutions to begin. Napoleon’s brother now ruled Spain, and people in the colonies felt no loyalty to him. The people of Latin American knew this was a good time to revolt.

Many Latin American countries became independent between 1810-1825.