Latin American wars of independence

The Latin American wars of independence, occurring mainly from the early 1800s to the mid-1820s, were a series of conflicts where various colonies fought for freedom from Spanish and Portuguese rule. Inspired by Enlightenment ideas and the American and French revolutions, leaders like Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín mobilized local populations. These struggles involved battles, alliances, and changing loyalties, leading to the establishment of independent nations across the continent. By the late 1820s, most Latin American countries had gained independence, marking a significant shift in political power and shaping the region’s future.