Causes of Independence in Spanish America

Creoles felt underrepresented:

Most positions of power were held by native-born Spanish. Territories were divided into viceroyalties (Nueva España, Peru, Rio de la Plata, Nueva Granada, and Capitanias of Chile and Guatemala).

Economic restrictions on free trade:

Colonies could only trade with Spain.

Revolutions in the United States and France:

These were seen as examples of successfully carrying out the ideals of Enlightenment.

Napoleonic wars in the Iberian Peninsula:

-Simon Bolivar (1819-24) led successful revolutions in South America. He was a very powerful man. -Jose de San Martin originally led the Spanish army, but later led successful revolutions in Argentina, Chile, and Peru.