emancipation of South American History Timeline and Biographies

1806

British Invasions of the Río de la Plata

The British invasions of the Río de la Plata were two unsuccessful attempts by the British Empire to capture the Spanish territories in the Río de la Plata region, which includes present-day Argentina and Uruguay. These invasions stirred local resistance and contributed to the growing sentiment for emancipation of South American territories from European control.

1810

May Revolution in Buenos Aires

The May Revolution marked the beginning of the Argentine War of Independence. On May 25, 1810, the citizens of Buenos Aires ousted the Spanish viceroy and established a local government, setting the stage for the emancipation of South American territories from Spanish rule.

1811

Independence of Paraguay

Paraguay declared its independence from Spanish rule on May 14, 1811. This event was a significant milestone in the broader movement towards the emancipation of South American countries.

1811

Venezuelan Declaration of Independence

On July 5, 1811, Venezuela declared its independence from Spain, becoming one of the first South American countries to do so. This declaration was a critical step in the emancipation of South American nations.

1816

Declaration of Independence of Argentina

On July 9, 1816, the Congress of Tucumán declared the independence of the United Provinces of South America, which included present-day Argentina. This declaration was a pivotal moment in the emancipation of South American territories.

1817

Battle of Chacabuco

The Battle of Chacabuco, fought on February 12, 1817, was a decisive victory for the Army of the Andes, led by José de San Martín, against Spanish royalist forces. This victory was crucial for the emancipation of Chile from Spanish rule.

1818

Chilean Declaration of Independence

Chile formally declared its independence from Spain on February 12, 1818. This declaration was a significant milestone in the broader struggle for the emancipation of South American nations.

1821

Peruvian Independence

On July 28, 1821, José de San Martín proclaimed the independence of Peru. This event was a pivotal moment in the emancipation of South American territories from Spanish colonial rule.

1822

Brazilian Independence

Brazil declared its independence from Portugal on September 7, 1822, with Dom Pedro I becoming its first emperor. This declaration was a key event in the emancipation of South American countries from European colonial powers.

1822

Battle of Pichincha

The Battle of Pichincha, fought on May 24, 1822, was a decisive victory for the forces of Simón Bolívar, leading to the liberation of Quito and contributing to the emancipation of Ecuador from Spanish rule.

1824

Battle of Ayacucho

The Battle of Ayacucho, fought on December 9, 1824, was a decisive victory for the revolutionary forces led by Antonio José de Sucre. This battle marked the end of Spanish rule in South America and was a significant milestone in the emancipation of South American countries.

1825

Bolivian Independence

Bolivia declared its independence from Spain on August 6, 1825. The country's name honors Simón Bolívar, a key figure in the emancipation of South American nations.

1828

Uruguayan Independence

Uruguay declared its independence from Brazil on August 25, 1828, following the Cisplatine War. This declaration was a significant event in the broader emancipation of South American territories.

1830

Gran Colombia, a union of several South American countries including Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama, was formally established in 1819 and dissolved in 1830. This union was an important phase in the emancipation of South American nations from Spanish rule.

1831

Dissolution of Gran Colombia

The dissolution of Gran Colombia in 1831 led to the emergence of individual republics such as Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. This dissolution was a significant step in the complete emancipation of South American countries from Spanish colonial rule.