Spanish American wars of independence

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/spanish-american-wars-of-independence

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the geographic scope?Encompassed territories from Mexico to the southern tip of South America
2. What is the key turning point?Napoleon's invasion of Spain in 1808, destabilizing royal authority
3. What made the Spanish American Wars of Independence happen?People in the Americas were unhappy with strict rules, no local leaders, and unfair trade. Ideas of freedom from the Enlightenment and Napoleon’s attack on Spain made them want their own countries.
4. Who were Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín?They were brave leaders who fought for freedom. Bolívar dreamed of a big country called Gran Colombia, while San Martín crossed the Andes to help his people.

Caudillismo: A system of political power based on the influence of strong, authoritarian leaders, often military figures.
Mercantilism: An economic theory where colonies exist to benefit the mother country through trade and resource extraction.
Junta: A committee or council, often formed to govern in the absence of legitimate authority.