The history of Latin America History Timeline and Biographies

1492

Columbus Discovers the Americas

In 1492, Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas, marking the beginning of European exploration and colonization, which would profoundly impact the indigenous populations and the subsequent history of Latin America.

1533

Fall of the Inca Empire

The Inca Empire fell to Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro in 1533, which led to significant Spanish control over large parts of the Andean region, influencing the future cultural and political landscape of Latin America.

1521

Conquest of the Aztec Empire

Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztec Empire in 1521, leading to the establishment of Spanish colonial dominance over Mexico and becoming a pivotal event in the history of Latin America, altering its demographic and cultural makeup.

1810

Beginning of Latin American Wars of Independence

The early 19th century saw the rise of revolutionary movements across Latin America, beginning in 1810, as colonies sought independence from Spanish rule, reshaping the political landscape of the region.

1821

Independence of Mexico

Mexico achieved independence from Spain in 1821 after a prolonged struggle, becoming one of the first countries in Latin America to break free from colonial rule, thereby influencing independence movements throughout the region.

1825

Formation of Gran Colombia

In 1825, Gran Colombia was established, uniting several northern South American countries (including modern-day Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama) under a single republic, illustrating the attempts at unity in post-colonial Latin America.

1864

War of the Triple Alliance

The War of the Triple Alliance (1864-1870) pitted Paraguay against Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, leading to widespread devastation and a significant shift in power dynamics in the region, impacting the history of Latin America in the subsequent decades.

1910

Mexican Revolution Begins

The Mexican Revolution began in 1910, resulting in profound social, political, and cultural changes in Mexico, highlighting the ongoing struggles for rights and reforms in the landscape of Latin America.

1948

OAS Established

The Organization of American States (OAS) was established in 1948 to promote democracy, human rights, and regional cooperation, marking a significant evolution in international relations within the context of Latin America.

1960

Cuban Revolution

In 1959, Fidel Castro led the Cuban Revolution, establishing a socialist state that became a focal point for Cold War tensions, dramatically influencing political ideologies and movements throughout Latin America.

1980

Rise of Military Dictatorships

The late 20th century witnessed a rise of military dictatorships across Latin America in the 1970s and 80s, characterized by human rights abuses and suppression of dissent, which would significantly affect the region's social and political fabrics.

1994

NAFTA and Trade Liberalization

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was enacted in 1994, promoting economic integration between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, reflecting broader trends in trade liberalization across Latin America.

2001

Economic Crisis in Argentina

Argentina faced a major economic crisis in 2001, highlighting vulnerabilities in its economy and prompting widespread protests, shedding light on the economic challenges facing several Latin American countries.

2019

Ongoing Political Turmoil in Venezuela

In 2019, Venezuela experienced intense political turmoil, leading to widespread humanitarian crises and reflecting ongoing struggles for democracy and stability in the history of Latin America.

2020

COVID-19 Pandemic in Latin America

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected Latin America, exacerbating existing inequalities and impacting health, economies, and governance across many nations in the region.

2021

Emerging Movements for Social Justice

Social movements for justice and equality continued to rise in Latin America in 2021, addressing issues ranging from climate change to gender equality, showcasing the active civic engagement that shapes the modern history of Latin America.