The document summarizes the paths to independence for several colonies in North and South America. The English colonies were allowed more self-governance and established legislatures, preparing them for independence by 1783. French and Spanish colonies were more tightly controlled by their European rulers. Simon Bolivar and Jose de San Martin led military campaigns that pushed out Spanish forces and helped several South American countries gain independence in the early 1800s. Brazil transitioned to independence peacefully when the Portuguese royal family fled to Brazil and established it as a separate monarchy.

1. INDEPENDENCE

2. North America
• English colonies were allowed more freedom
for self-rule
• France kept a tighter control over their
colonies

4. 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

5. • English Colonies gain independence in 1783
• Set up a government where no one part has
too much power!

6. French Colonies
• King appointed governors with no legislature
• King controlled taxes and trade

7. 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

8. • Two men known for their role in the Spanish
struggle for independence
1. Simon Bolivar
2. Jose de San Martin

9. Simon Bolivar

10. 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

11. Jose de San Martin

12. 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

13. 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

14. King Joao

15. King Pedro I