Wars and Events in the History of Latin America
By Christopher Minster, About.com Guide to Latin American History
The conquest, savage beyond imagination. The wars of independence, populated by heroes, dreamers, visionaries and statesmen. Revolutions in Mexico and Cuba. Men and women in the jungle and mountains with rusty rifles, freedom fighters to some, brigands and criminals to others. The events that shaped Latin America also shook the world.
Exploration and Discovery
When Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain in 1492, he was looking for a new route to Asia. He never did find it -- that honor would go to Ferdinand Magellan -- but what he did find was a new world, populated by cultures unknown to Europe. The hardy, intrepid men who followed in the Admiral's footsteps brought the world together...and opened the door for the savagery of the Conquest.
- Columbus' Voyages of Discovery
- La Navidad, First European Settlement in the Americas
- Ferdinand Magellan, Explorer of the Pacific
- Juan Sebastian Elcano, First Man Around the World
- Vasco Nuñez de Balboa, Discoverer of the Pacific
- 1499: The Alonso de Hojeda Expedition
- Amerigo Vespucci, the Man who Gave his Name to America
The Conquest
In the years immediately following the Discovery of the Americas, Spain and Portugal sparred over ownership of the New World. When the Treaty of Tordesillas settled who owned what, the Spanish and Portuguese got to work wresting the newly discovered lands from their real owners: the millions of people on two continents who lived there in blissful ignorance of their impending doom. The Conquest of the Americas is one of the most tragic episodes in the history of mankind.
- Atahualpa, The Last Inca Emperor
- 1534: The Battle of Teocajas
- Arms and Armor of the Spanish Conquistadors
Independence from Spain
In the early Nineteenth Century, Spain was conquered by Napoleon. Taking their inspiration from the American Revolution, Creole patriots from Mexico to Argentina saw their chance. Led by charismatic statesmen such as Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín, the breakaway republics fought for and gained their independence.
- Independence from Spain Overview
- Causes of the Independence from Spain Movement, 1808-1825
- Argentina 1810: The May Revolution
- Manuela Saenz, Heroine of Independence
- Francisco de Paula Santander
- Mariano Moreno, Leader of Argentina's Independence Movement
- Mexican Independence: The Cry of Dolores
- Miguel Hidalgo, Father of Mexican Independence
- Ignacio Allende, Mexican Patriot
- Quito, Ecuador: The August 10 Independence Movement
- The Federal Republic of Central America, 1823-1840
Wars and Battles
Since Independence, the nations of Latin America have often become involved in wars: with one another, with the United States and with European powers. Although some of these wars were more devastating than others, each one had a profound effect on the nations involved.
- The Pastry War
- Cuban Revolution: The Battle of Santa Clara
- The Battle of Puebla
- Mexican Revolution: The Battle of Zacatecas
- Mexican Revolution: The Battle of Celaya
- South American Independence: The Battle of Pichincha
- The Unsung Ally: Mexican Involvement in World War Two
- Mexican Independence: The Battle of Calderon Bridge
- Mexican Independence: The Siege of Guanajuato
- Mexican Independence: The Battle of Monte de las Cruces
Revolutions, Civil Wars and Domestic Strife
When the nations of Latin America have not been busy fighting each other, they have often been fighting themselves. Once Spain and Portugal were out of the picture, local politicians and leaders often could not agree on the path the new nations would take: this frequently resulted in bloodshed. Civil strife continues to this day as countries such as Colombia struggle with rebels and insurgents.
- The Thousand Days' War: Colombia's Civil War
- The Bogotazo: Colombia's Historic Riot
- The Tlatelolco Massacre: Mexico's Kent State
Foreign Intervention in Latin America
The many nations of Latin America have always had difficult relations with larger global powers, especially the United States. Foreign intervention has impacted the history of every nation in Latin America, bar none.
