A majority of the Latin American revolutions were only successful because of their good timing. Around 1807 to 1825, opportunities of such revolutions existed due to the weakening of Spain and Portugal. With the addition of Spain and Portugal struggling back home with power between Napoleon Bonaparte and toppled monarchies, their colonial powers weakened. As if the empires couldn’t control their land back home in Europe, the distance from the colonies even weaken them more in their strength of maintaining events back to the way they were. As a result, Latin American independence became possible with the struggling turn of events in Europe from the lack of order to the diminish supply of resources.
2. Describe how each individual contributed to the goal of Latin American independence: (a) Miguel Hidalgo, (b) Augustin de …show more content…
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was considered to be the first real hero of Mexican independence. From his inspiration of the French Revolution, he roused the Indians and mestizos to achieve their freedom from the Spaniards by avenging their forefathers. Although the rebels were spirited to form a mob army to attack the Spaniards, his organization failed, but his memory was preserved as a contribution to the Latin American independence. Even after his death, the Indians and mestizos in Mexico’s revolt against the Spaniards scared the creoles and peninsular. As a result, they all joined forces to overthrow the Spanish rule, which was what Costilla fought for.
b. After the successful attempt to overthrow the Spanish control in Mexico, the rebellion needed someone to lead them. In 1821, the creole Augustin de Iturbide was chosen as the leader and first emperor of Mexico. This signified a great contribution towards the goal of Latin America independence by being one of the first examples of a nation that succeeded and that was able to govern themselves without the help of the