In the early 19th century, much of South America was under colonial rule. As Europe was in great political instability, the fight for land ownership found its way into Latin America. The French revolutions showed people how it was possible to overthrow government, so this served as a model and beginning of several other revolutions. The people of Latin America greatly opposed this pending change of ownership, leading to several revolutions. The Latin American Revolutions, similar to the French Revolution, were motivated by equality and liberty for the many diverse existing peoples of this land.

While the Latin American Revolutions were inspired by the French Revolutions, the circumstances leading to war were remarkably different. As the French were fighting within their people, hoping for a change within the current government policies, Latin America was fighting to stop from being overtaken by Spain, Portugal or England, as many northern colonies in the Americas had already been overtaken.

Ultimately, the Latin Revolutions resulted in the establishment of many small, independent countries.

Simon Bolivar

Simon Bolivar was one of the most important leaders of the Latin American Revolutions. Bolivar visted Europe for several years and when he returned to Venezuela, he saw the internal conflict between those who wanted to stay aligned with Spain, and those who wished for independence. It was Bolivar's dream to see a united Latin America, so he began by leading the Revolutions for Independence. While Latin America would never become united as Bolivar hoped, Bolivar has been hailed as "El Libertador" for his contributions to the independence of many countries of Latin America.

Born: 1783

Death: 1830

Country: Venezuela, Ecuador,

Bolivia, Peru and Colombia

Colonial Power Fought: Spain

Contributions of Simon Bolivar

* Became part of the resistance movement against

Spain.

* Played a key role in the Spanish American fight for

independence.

Father Hidalgo

"Father Hidalgo" was a Mexican priest who led the revolution for independence from Spain. He studied political theory while he was a priest and this led to an underground collaboration with others wishing freedom and together they led a great revolt against Spain. Father Hidalgo easily collected an army to fight with him for his cause, and this led to a long and bloody battle.

Contributions of Father Hidalgo

* Led the independence movement against Spain.

* The battle that Hidalgo began, led to a long 60 years of political turmoil that rocked the first years of Mexico's independence.

Born: 1753

Death: 1811

Country: Mexico

Colonial Power Fought: Spain