INDEPENDENCE

North America

• English colonies were allowed more freedom for self-rule

• France kept a tighter control over their colonies

English Colonies

• Every colony had a governor and usually he was elected by the people

• Colonists elected legislatures who helped the governor

• This helped prepare them for self rule

• English Colonies gain independence in 1783• Set up a government where no one part has

too much power!

French Colonies

• King appointed governors with no legislature• King controlled taxes and trade

Spanish Colonies

• The creoles were discontent with their lack of power in the government

• The colonies could not trade with anyone except Spain

• The Spanish king wanted to keep the philosophies and ideas away from his subjects

• Two men known for their role in the Spanish struggle for independence

1. Simon Bolivar2. Jose de San Martin

Simon Bolivar

Simon Bolivar

• His tutor exposed him to several philosophers• Believed that freedom was the source of

man’s happiness• He led his troops to push the Spaniards out of

Venezuela from the south, east, and west• Felt the only way to free Venezuela was to

free the entire continent

Jose de San Martin

Jose de San Martin

• Chosen by the Argentinian government to free Peru

• Chose gauchos as his troops• Bolivar sent him a letter offering his

assistance.– San Martin attacked Peru from the South and

Bolivar’s troops attacked from the North

Independence in Brazil

• A non-violent independence• Napoleon captured Portugal and the king fled

to Brazil and improved it to “be fit for the monarchy”

• The king, King Joao, returned to Portugal and left his son, Pedro in charge

• Crowned emperor of independent Brazil as Pedro I

King Joao

King Pedro I