The Haitian Revolution and the wars of independence fought in the Spanish American colonies differed largely in the racial composition and social status of the participants. In the Haitian Revolution, the majority of the revolutionaries were enslaved Africans and free people of color, who rose up against the white slave-owning class. In contrast, the wars of independence in Spanish America were primarily led by Creole elites (people of European descent who were born in the Americas) who resented Spanish rule.
2. Ideological goals.
The Haitian Revolution was influenced by the ideals of the French Revolution, and the revolutionaries sought to establish a society based on liberty, equality, and fraternity. In contrast, the Spanish American revolutions were primarily motivated by a desire for political autonomy from Spain, and the revolutionaries did not seek to make major social changes.
3. Role of foreign powers.
The Haitian Revolution was directly influenced by the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. France sent troops to Haiti to suppress the revolution, but they were ultimately defeated by the Haitian revolutionaries. In contrast, the Spanish American revolutions were largely unaffected by foreign powers, as Spain was preoccupied with the Peninsular War against Napoleon.
4. Outcomes.
The Haitian Revolution resulted in the establishment of the Republic of Haiti, the first independent nation in Latin America and the first black- led republic in the world. In contrast, the Spanish American wars of independence resulted in the establishment of several new independent nations, but these nations remained largely under the control of Creole elites.