Napoleon's Invasion of Spain
Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion of Spain in 1808 created a power vacuum that destabilized Spanish control over its colonies, sparking the beginning of independence movements across South America.
1808
1810
The Cry of Dolores
In 1810, Miguel Hidalgo issued the "Grito de Dolores," which marked the start of the Mexican War of Independence and inspired similar movements in South America.
1811
Independence of Venezuela
Venezuela declared its independence from Spain on July 5, 1811, becoming the first South American country to do so.
1816
Independence of Argentina
Argentina formally declared its independence from Spain on July 9, 1816, following a series of revolutionary activities led by figures like José de San Martín.
1817
Crossing of the Andes
José de San Martín led his army across the Andes Mountains in 1817, a pivotal campaign that led to the liberation of Chile from Spanish rule.
1818
Independence of Chile
Chile declared its independence on February 12, 1818, after the Battle of Maipú, which secured the country’s freedom from Spanish control.
1821
Independence of Peru
Peru declared its independence on July 28, 1821, following a campaign led by José de San Martín and later consolidated by Simón Bolívar.
1822
Meeting of Bolívar and San Martín
Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín met in Guayaquil in 1822 to discuss the future of South America's independence movements.
1822
Independence of Brazil
Brazil declared its independence from Portugal on September 7, 1822, with Dom Pedro I becoming its first emperor.
1824
Battle of Ayacucho
The Battle of Ayacucho, fought on December 9, 1824, was the decisive victory that secured the independence of Peru and marked the end of Spanish rule in South America.
1825
Independence of Bolivia
Bolivia declared its independence on August 6, 1825, and was named in honor of Simón Bolívar, who played a crucial role in its liberation.
1828
Independence of Uruguay
Uruguay declared its independence from Brazil on August 25, 1828, following a struggle that included the involvement of Argentine and Brazilian forces.
1830
Dissolution of Gran Colombia
Gran Colombia, a union of several South American territories led by Simón Bolívar, dissolved in 1830, leading to the creation of separate nations like Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
1831
Independence of Ecuador
Ecuador declared its independence from Gran Colombia in 1831, becoming a sovereign nation.
1844
Independence of the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic declared its independence from Haiti on February 27, 1844, following a prolonged struggle for sovereignty.
