CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION
The Continental System
During the early 1800s, the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte pitted France against the United Kingdom in yet another war. In an effort to obstruct English trade and mercantilism, he established the Berlin and Milan Decrees in 1806 and 1807. These decrees prevented the English from sending their ships into French ports, as well as giving the 'okay' for the French navy to attack trade ships that were carrying English goods, even if said ships belonged to countries uninvolved in the feud. While France's allies agreed to stand by this ruling, Portugal, an ally of the United Kingdom, refused to adhere to the French Continental System. In retaliation, Napoleon turned his attention to the smaller nation and took over. In the process, neighboring Spain, who had long been an ally to France, was occupied by Napoleon's armies.
Dethronement
In a swift, backstabbing motion, allegiances were forgotten to the past and France invaded the Iberian Peninsula. Spain's capital of Madrid was overrun in 1807 and its king, Ferdinand VII, was dethroned. Determined to establish a strong hold on the Spanish empire, Napoleon made a smart political move. In the old king's place, Joseph, the former King of Naples and brother to Napoleon, was given the Spanish crown. This way, Napoleon could ensure that the Spaniards would be fighting on his side in the war.
Rebellion in Spain
What Napoleon miscalculated was the French-resent amongst the Aragonés. Unwilling to follow their new king and begrudging towards the French, it did not take long for Spain to join Portugal in protest. In 1808, the two countries engaged France in what would come to be known as the Peninsula War.
With the assistance of the British, who joined in against their ancient rival, Portugal and Spain were liberated from French rule in April of the year 1814. Six years and thousands of casualties later, the Iberian Peninsula was once again in control of its empires. While Spain had overcome its external affairs, the war took a toll on its unity. Internal rifts had grown an ocean wide. Spanish territories in Latin America had experienced similar revolutions of their own, only it was Spain they fought against, not the French.
With the assistance of the British, who joined in against their ancient rival, Portugal and Spain were liberated from French rule in April of the year 1814. Six years and thousands of casualties later, the Iberian Peninsula was once again in control of its empires. While Spain had overcome its external affairs, the war took a toll on its unity. Internal rifts had grown an ocean wide. Spanish territories in Latin America had experienced similar revolutions of their own, only it was Spain they fought against, not the French.
Rebellion Against Spain
In the midsts of Spain's war against Napoleon, civil unrest had emerged in the Central and South American colonies. With their true king gone, the majority of the population in Latin America was pushing for rebellion against their new ruler. As long as King Ferdinand had been in charge, the colonists had a reason to obey their mother country; one that was as simple as nationalistic loyalty. However, with a Frenchman in charge, there was no reason for them to follow the new regime. Spain was preoccupied with its own war, and left the perfect opportunity for the South American territories to incite their own quests for independence. Such a task was accomplished with the help of caudillos, military leaders who took control of the revolution with the support of the people. They provided funding for the battles that took place, and engaged in such skirmishes with their very own armies. It did not take long for territories like Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia to eliminate Spanish rule in the colonies after joining their forces together.