Latin American Independence movements | 1450 - Present | World History | Khan Academy

Summary

This video script discusses the transformation of the Americas from European colonies in 1750 to independent nations by 1850. Key influences include the Enlightenment, American War for Independence, and Haitian Revolution, which inspired revolts led by figures like Simon Bolivar. The script highlights how these revolutions dismantled European imperialism in the Americas.

Takeaways

• 🗺️ In 1750, the Americas were largely divided into European colonies, with Spain having the most extensive control.
• 🇵🇹 Portugal controlled a significant area that would become Brazil.
• 🇫🇷 The French had territories in North America and several Caribbean islands.
• 🇬🇧 The British held control along the east coast of North America and had Caribbean and Atlantic islands.
• 🏰 A hundred years later, most of these colonies achieved independence.
• 🇺🇸 The American War for Independence from 1776 to 1783 resulted in the United States becoming an independent nation.
• 🇭🇹 Haiti gained independence from French control between 1791 and 1804, led by Toussaint Louverture.
• 🎖️ Simon Bolivar led revolutions in several Latin American countries, including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
• 📚 The Enlightenment, with its emphasis on liberty and reason, influenced these independence movements.
• 🗽 The success of the American and Haitian revolutions inspired other revolts in Latin America.
• 🌍 By 1850, European imperialism in the Americas had largely ended.

Q & A

What did the map of the Americas look like around the year 1750?

Around the year 1750, the map of the Americas was largely divided into colonies controlled by European powers. Spain had control over a vast area from modern-day Chile and Argentina in the south to Texas and California in the north. Portugal had significant control over what would become Brazil. The French had territories in North America and several Caribbean islands, and the British controlled the east coast of North America and several Caribbean and Atlantic islands.

How did Spain's control over the Americas change by 100 years later?

By 100 years later, most of the territories that were once Spanish colonies had achieved independence. This was a result of a series of revolutions and movements for independence across Latin America, including the efforts of leaders like Simon Bolivar.

What was the significance of the American War for Independence in the context of the Americas?

The American War for Independence, which took place from 1776 to 1783, was significant as it resulted in the United States becoming an independent country. This event served as an inspiration for other colonies seeking independence from European powers.

Who was Toussaint Louverture and what was his role in Haiti's history?

Toussaint Louverture was a key leader in the Haitian Revolution against French control. From 1791 to 1804, he led the revolt that eventually gained independence and established Haiti as an independent nation.

What was the role of Simon Bolivar in the Latin American revolutions?

Simon Bolivar, a Creole Venezuelan, played an active role in achieving independence from Spain for several Latin American countries, including Venezuela, what would become Colombia and Panama, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.

What does the term 'Creole' refer to in the context of the Americas during the colonial period?

In the context of the Americas during the colonial period, the term 'Creole' referred to someone of mostly Spanish descent who was born in the New World.

What was the Enlightenment and how did it influence the revolutions in the Americas?

The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in the 1700s that emphasized reason, individualism, and liberty. It influenced the revolutions in the Americas by promoting ideas of freedom and self-governance, which were adopted by leaders and revolutionaries in the fight for independence.

How did the French Revolution impact the Haitian Revolution?

The French Revolution, which lasted from 1789 to 1799, weakened France's ability to control its far-flung colonies, including Haiti. This, coupled with Enlightenment ideals, enabled the slaves of Haiti, led by Toussaint Louverture, to overthrow French control and establish their own nation.

What was Napoleon Bonaparte's role in the colonial history of the Americas?

Napoleon Bonaparte, who took control of France after the French Revolution, attempted to maintain control over its colonies, including Haiti. However, his focus on the Napoleonic Wars in Europe and the influence of Enlightenment ideas in the colonies contributed to the success of independence movements in the Americas.

Why did many revolutions in the Americas happen roughly at the same time?

Many revolutions in the Americas happened roughly at the same time due to a combination of factors, including the spread of Enlightenment ideas, the example of the successful American War for Independence, the weakening of European powers due to internal conflicts like the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, and the leadership of figures such as Simon Bolivar.

What was the state of European imperialism in the Americas by 1850?

By 1850, much of the European imperialism in the Americas had come to an end, with many former colonies achieving independence and establishing their own nations.