Napoleon Invades Spain
The invasion of Spain by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1808 destabilized Spanish control over its colonies, setting the stage for independence movements across Latin America.
1808
1810
On September 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla issued the Grito de Dolores, initiating the Mexican War of Independence against Spanish rule.
1811
Independence of Venezuela
Venezuela declared its independence from Spain on July 5, 1811, led by figures such as Simón Bolívar and Francisco de Miranda.
1816
Argentina formally declared its independence from Spain on July 9, 1816, following years of conflict and revolutionary activity.
1818
Independence of Chile
Chile declared its independence on February 12, 1818, after a successful military campaign led by Bernardo O'Higgins and José de San Martín.
1821
Mexico achieved independence from Spain on September 27, 1821, following the Plan of Iguala and the Treaty of Córdoba.
1821
Independence of Peru
Peru declared its independence on July 28, 1821, with significant contributions from José de San Martín and Simón Bolívar.
1822
Brazil declared its independence from Portugal on September 7, 1822, under the leadership of Dom Pedro I.
1822
Ecuador declared its independence from Spain on May 24, 1822, after the Battle of Pichincha led by Antonio José de Sucre.
1824
Battle of Ayacucho
The Battle of Ayacucho on December 9, 1824, marked the decisive victory for South American independence forces over Spanish royalists, effectively ending Spanish rule in the continent.
1825
Independence of Bolivia
Bolivia declared its independence from Spain on August 6, 1825, with Simón Bolívar playing a key role in its liberation.
1828
Uruguay's Independence
Uruguay declared its independence from Brazil on August 25, 1828, following the conclusion of the Cisplatine War.
1838
Central American Federation Dissolves
The Federal Republic of Central America dissolved in 1838, leading to the independence of its member states: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.
1844
Independence of the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic declared its independence from Haiti on February 27, 1844, following the efforts of Juan Pablo Duarte and the La Trinitaria movement.
1903
Independence of Panama
Panama declared its independence from Colombia on November 3, 1903, with support from the United States, leading to the construction of the Panama Canal.
