South America's fight for independence was led by two key figures: Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín. These men spearheaded military campaigns that freed several countries from Spanish rule, shaping the continent's future.

The independence movements ended colonial rule but didn't fully change social structures. While new nations adopted republican governments, the Creole elite kept their power. Economic systems stayed similar, with exports dominating and inequality persisting.

Independence Movements in Spanish South America

Simón Bolívar

• Venezuelan military and political leader, pivotal role in Latin American independence movement against Spanish rule
• Born into wealthy Creole family, educated in Europe, influenced by Enlightenment ideas
• Joined independence movement in 1810, became prominent military leader
• Military campaigns liberated several countries in northern South America from Spanish rule
  • Led fight for Venezuela's independence, achieved in 1821 after Battle of Carabobo
  • Key role in liberation of Colombia (then New Granada) and Ecuador
  • Forces defeated Spanish at Battle of Boyacá in 1819, securing Colombia's independence
• Political vision to create federation of independent Latin American states, Gran Colombia
  • Initially included present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama
  • Internal divisions and regional differences led to dissolution shortly after Bolívar's death in 1830

José de San Martín

• Argentine general, primary leader of southern independence movement in South America
  • Served in Spanish military before joining Argentine independence movement in 1812
  • Recognized need to liberate Chile and Peru to secure Argentina's independence
• Led Army of the Andes, military force that crossed Andes Mountains from Argentina into Chile
  • Remarkable military feat, traversing high altitudes and harsh conditions
  • Defeated Spanish at Battle of Chacabuco in 1817, leading to liberation of Chile
• Focused on liberating Peru from Spanish rule after securing Chilean independence
  • Led expedition to Peru in 1820, proclaimed Peruvian independence in 1821
  • Struggle for Peru's complete independence continued until 1824
• Met with Simón Bolívar in Guayaquil, Ecuador, in 1822 to discuss future of Latin America
  • Different visions for region: San Martín favored constitutional monarchy, Bolívar advocated for republican system
  • San Martín stepped aside, leaving final liberation of Peru to Bolívar, recognizing need for unified command

Lasting Impacts

• End of Spanish colonial rule, establishment of independent nation-states
  • Challenge of creating stable governments and defining national identities
  • Many new nations adopted republican forms of government, inspired by Enlightenment, American and French Revolutions
• Limited impact on existing social hierarchies in South America
  • Creole elite, who led independence movements, largely maintained privileged positions post-independence
  • Indigenous peoples and those of mixed ancestry (mestizos) continued to face discrimination and marginalization
• Economic structures remained largely unchanged after independence
  • Economies relied on export of raw materials and agricultural products, limited industrial development
  • Land ownership concentrated in hands of small elite, perpetuating social and economic inequalities
• Legacy includes formation of distinct national identities, development of regional solidarity
  • Shared experience of struggle for independence fostered sense of common history and culture
  • Political instability, regional rivalries, and influence of foreign powers continued to shape development throughout 19th and 20th centuries