Formation of Nation-States

The formation of nation-states in Latin America emerged in the 19th century following independence from Spanish and Portuguese colonial rule. As colonial empires weakened, various movements championed self-determination and national identity, inspired by Enlightenment ideas and successful revolutions, such as the American and French Revolutions. Leaders like Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín unified diverse regions against colonial powers, ultimately leading to the establishment of sovereign countries. This transition involved redefining governance, culture, and citizenship in newly independent nations, laying the groundwork for modern Latin American states and their distinct identities.