Napoleon's Invasion of Spain
Napoleon's invasion of Spain in 1808 weakened Spanish control over its colonies, sparking independence movements across South America.
1808
1810
Local juntas (military and political councils) were established in various South American regions, beginning the process of breaking away from Spanish rule.
1811
Venezuelan Declaration of Independence
Venezuela declared its independence from Spain on July 5, 1811, marking a significant step in the emancipation of South America.
1816
Argentine Declaration of Independence
Argentina declared its independence from Spain on July 9, 1816, furthering the cause of South American emancipation.
1817
Battle of Chacabuco
The Battle of Chacabuco, fought on February 12, 1817, was a decisive victory for the forces of José de San Martín, leading to the liberation of Chile from Spanish rule.
1819
Battle of Boyacá
The Battle of Boyacá on August 7, 1819, was a crucial victory for Simón Bolívar's forces, leading to the independence of Gran Colombia (modern-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama).
1821
José de San Martín declared the independence of Peru on July 28, 1821, continuing the wave of emancipation across South America.
1822
Ecuador declared its independence on May 24, 1822, following the Battle of Pichincha, a key victory for Simón Bolívar's forces.
1824
Battle of Ayacucho
The Battle of Ayacucho on December 9, 1824, was the final major battle in the South American wars of independence, securing the liberation of Peru and marking the end of Spanish rule in South America.
1825
Bolivian Independence
Bolivia declared its independence on August 6, 1825, named in honor of Simón Bolívar, one of the leading figures in South America's emancipation.
1830
Disintegration of Gran Colombia
The disintegration of Gran Colombia in 1830 led to the formation of separate independent countries: Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama.
1851
Abolition of Slavery in Colombia
Colombia abolished slavery in 1851, a significant social reform in the post-emancipation era of South America.
1854
Abolition of Slavery in Venezuela
Venezuela abolished slavery in 1854, continuing the trend of social reforms across emancipated South American nations.
1873
Abolition of Slavery in Puerto Rico
Although not part of South America, the abolition of slavery in Puerto Rico in 1873 influenced emancipation movements and social reforms in the region.
1888
Abolition of Slavery in Brazil
Brazil was the last country in South America to abolish slavery, doing so on May 13, 1888, marking the end of slavery in the continent.
