
Wars of Independence
The Wars of Independence in Latin America, occurring mainly in the early 19th century, were a series of military conflicts where various nations sought to gain independence from Spanish and Portuguese colonial rule. Influenced by Enlightenment ideas, these movements aimed to establish sovereign governments and end colonial exploitation. Key figures like Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín emerged as leaders, rallying support from diverse social classes. The conflicts resulted in the establishment of several independent nations across the continent, significantly altering the political landscape and paving the way for modern Latin America.