Latin America consists of South and Middle America and the West Indies Islands. Spain and Portugal established colonies throughout these regions. So the people of Latin America rose in revolt against the imperialist powers. The reasons for the revolt are discussed below.
Policies of Imperial Powers The Europeans looted the wealth and resources of Latin American countries and even erased their traditional culture. After colonizing the entire Latin America, the Spanish and the Portuguese propagated their language, religion and customs there. They built houses and churches in Spanish style.
Several schools were established for imparting Spanish system of education. The Spanish farming methods and crops were adopted. Racial discrimination towards the people of the colonies was enforced in all walks of life.
The Europeans took away gold, silver, etc. from the Latin American colonies. They never allowed the people of the colonies to engage in trade with countries other than Spain. The things produced in Spain were not permitted to be produced in the colonies. People had to work in hazardous environment in mines without any safety measures. The Europeans enslaved the natives to work in plantations.
Influence of other revolutions:
The success of American War of Independence and the French Revolution inspired the Latin American people to fight against the European domination.
Leaders of the revolution: Francisco Miranda, Simon Bolivar and Jose De San Martin were the leaders of Latin American Revolution. Under their leadership, Latin American colonies were liberated. By 1825 almost all the Latin American colonies became free.
