Napoleon's Invasion of Spain
Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Spain, leading to the destabilization of Spanish control over its colonies in South America, setting the stage for independence movements.
1808
1810
Start of the Venezuelan War of Independence
The Venezuelan War of Independence began with the formation of a junta in Caracas, marking the start of the struggle for emancipation in South America.
1811
Paraguay Declares Independence
Paraguay declared its independence from Spanish rule, becoming one of the first South American countries to achieve emancipation.
1816
Argentina's Declaration of Independence
Argentina formally declared its independence from Spain, furthering the cause of emancipation in South America.
1817
Battle of Chacabuco
José de San Martín led the Army of the Andes to a decisive victory at the Battle of Chacabuco, liberating Chile from Spanish rule and advancing South America's emancipation.
1819
Battle of Boyacá
Simón Bolívar secured a crucial victory at the Battle of Boyacá, leading to the liberation of New Granada (modern-day Colombia) and bolstering the emancipation movement in South America.
1821
Peru's Independence
José de San Martín proclaimed the independence of Peru, continuing the wave of emancipation in South America.
1822
Ecuador's Independence
Ecuador achieved its independence following the victory at the Battle of Pichincha, led by Antonio José de Sucre, a key figure in South America's emancipation struggle.
1824
Battle of Ayacucho
The Battle of Ayacucho marked the final defeat of Spanish forces in South America, effectively securing the continent's emancipation from colonial rule.
1825
Bolivia's Independence
Bolivia declared its independence, named in honor of Simón Bolívar, one of the principal leaders of South America's emancipation.
1828
Uruguay's Independence
Uruguay gained its independence following the Treaty of Montevideo, concluding a significant chapter in South America's emancipation history.
1830
Gran Colombia Dissolution
The dissolution of Gran Colombia, a state that included modern-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama, marked a reorganization of independent South American states post-emancipation.
1838
Central American Federation Dissolution
The dissolution of the Federal Republic of Central America led to the formation of independent states, reflecting the broader trend of emancipation in Latin America.
1852
End of Argentine Civil Wars
The end of the Argentine Civil Wars resulted in the consolidation of Argentina as a unified nation, solidifying its emancipation.
1879
War of the Pacific
The War of the Pacific between Chile, Bolivia, and Peru resulted in territorial changes but also underscored the ongoing process of nation-building and consolidation post-emancipation in South America.
