How did Latin American independence movements differ from North American ones?

Latin American independence movements were more violent, protracted, and involved more direct conflict with European powers than North American ones.

The independence movements in Latin America were characterised by a high degree of violence and protracted warfare, unlike the relatively swift and less bloody American Revolution. The Latin American revolutions, which took place in the early 19th century, were largely driven by the Creole elite - descendants of Europeans born in the Americas - who were dissatisfied with Spanish and Portuguese rule. These revolutions were often marked by brutal conflicts, such as the Mexican War of Independence and the wars of independence in Gran Colombia, which included present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama.

In contrast, the North American Revolution was primarily a conflict between Britain and its thirteen North American colonies, which had been largely self-governing. The war was relatively short, lasting from 1775 to 1783, and while it was certainly violent, it did not involve the same level of sustained and widespread conflict as the Latin American revolutions. The American Revolution was also marked by a significant degree of unity among the colonists, whereas the Latin American revolutions were often marked by deep divisions among the revolutionaries, including racial, regional, and class conflicts.

Another key difference lies in the involvement of European powers. In the North American Revolution, France played a crucial role in supporting the American colonists against Britain, turning the conflict into a global war. However, the Latin American revolutions were largely fought against the colonial powers themselves, with little direct involvement from other European nations. This meant that the Latin American revolutionaries had to fight against well-established and powerful colonial administrations, often without the benefit of foreign support.

Furthermore, the outcomes of the revolutions were also different. The American Revolution resulted in a new, democratic nation with a strong central government. In contrast, the Latin American revolutions often resulted in a series of unstable, newly independent states that struggled with internal conflicts and weak governments. These states were often dominated by caudillos, or military strongmen, and experienced frequent changes in government. This instability was a direct result of the violent and protracted nature of the Latin American revolutions, as well as the deep divisions among the revolutionaries.

IB History Tutor Summary: Latin American independence movements, driven by Creole elites against Spanish and Portuguese rule, were marked by lengthy, violent conflicts, unlike the shorter, less violent North American Revolution. These movements faced deep internal divisions and little European support, contrasting with North American unity and French aid. The outcomes also differed: Latin America saw unstable states and strongmen, while North America formed a stable, democratic nation.