* Growing Creol (criollo) identity and resentment: Creoles were people of European descent who were born in the Americas. They were often well-educated and resented the fact that they were not treated as equals to peninsulars (Spanish-born people).
* Increased colonial control and taxation: The Spanish government tried to tighten control over its colonies and raise taxes, which led to widespread resentment.
* The French and American Revolutions: The success of the French and American Revolutions inspired Latin Americans to think about the possibility of independence.
* Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion of Spain: Napoleon's invasion of Spain in 1808 led to a power vacuum in Latin America, which some leaders used to declare independence.
Here is a more detailed look at each of these factors:
1. Growing Creol identity and resentment: Creoles were people of European descent who were born in the Americas. They were often well-educated and resentful of the fact that they were not treated as equals to peninsulars (Spanish-born people). This resentment was based on a number of factors, including:
- Economic discrimination: Creoles were often denied access to the best jobs and land, which were reserved for peninsulars.
- Political discrimination: Creoles were not allowed to hold high office in the colonial government.
- Social discrimination: Creoles were often treated as second-class citizens by peninsulars.
2. Increased colonial control and taxation: The Spanish government tried to tighten control over its colonies and raise taxes in an effort to increase revenue. This led to widespread resentment among Latin Americans, who saw it as an attempt to exploit them.
3. The French and American Revolutions: The success of the French and American Revolutions inspired Latin Americans to think about the possibility of independence. The French Revolution, in particular, showed that it was possible for a people to overthrow a monarchy and establish a republic.
4. Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion of Spain: Napoleon's invasion of Spain in 1808 led to a power vacuum in Latin America. The Spanish king, Ferdinand VII, was taken prisoner by Napoleon, and the Spanish government was no longer able to exercise control over its colonies. This created an opportunity for some Latin American leaders to declare independence.
These factors all contributed to the rise of independence movements in Latin America. By the early 1800s, a number of Latin American countries had declared independence from Spain, and the process of decolonization was well underway.