Independence and 19th century History of South America

countries in americas date of independence

the spanish colonies won independence in first quarter of 19th century, in spanish american wars of independence. simón bolívar (greater colombia, peru, bolivia), josé de san martín (united provinces of river plate, chile, , peru), , bernardo o higgins (chile) led independence struggle. although bolivar attempted keep spanish-speaking parts of continent politically unified, rapidly became independent of 1 another.

unlike spanish colonies, brazilian independence came indirect consequence of napoleonic invasions portugal – french invasion under general junot led capture of lisbon on 8 december 1807. in order not lose sovereignty, portuguese court moved capital lisbon rio de janeiro, portuguese empire s capital between 1808 , 1821 , rose relevance of brazil within portuguese empire s framework. following portuguese liberal revolution of 1820, , after several battles , skirmishes fought in pará , in bahia, heir apparent pedro, son of king john vi of portugal, proclaimed country s independence in 1822 , became brazil s first emperor (he later reigned pedro iv of portugal). 1 of peaceful colonial independences ever seen in human history.

a struggle power emerged among new nations, , several further wars fought thereafter.

the first few wars fought supremacy in northern , southern parts of continent. gran colombia – peru war of north , cisplatine war (between empire of brazil , united provinces of river plate) ended in stalemate, although latter resulted in independence of uruguay (1828). few years later, after break-up of gran colombia, balance of power shifted in favor of newly formed peru-bolivian confederation (1836–1839). nonetheless, power structure proved temporary , shifted once more result of northern peruvian state s victory on southern peruvian state-bolivia war of confederation (1836–1839), , argentine confederation s defeat in guerra grande (1839–1852).

later conflicts between south american nations continued define borders , power status. in pacific coast, chile , peru continued exhibit increasing domination, defeating spain in chincha islands war. finally, after precariously defeating peru during war of pacific (1879–1883), chile emerged dominant power of pacific coast of south america. in atlantic side, paraguay attempted gain more dominant status in region, alliance of argentina, brazil, , uruguay (in resulting 1864–1870 war of triple alliance) ended paraguayan ambitions. thereupon, southern cone nations of argentina, brazil, , chile entered 20th century major continental powers.

a few countries did not gain independence until 20th century:

panama, colombia, in 1903
guyana, united kingdom, in 1966
suriname, dutch control, in 1975
trinidad , tobago, united kingdom, in 1962

french guiana remains overseas department of france.