Independence Movements in Latin America

a. The greatest factor that caused the Independence to occur was the spread of the Enlightenment ideas because without it, no one would have a different perspective on life and authority. By acknowledging and studying about the Enlightenment ideas, the people in the Americas probably had a wider knowledge and view of their desired standard life because the Enlightenment's ideals promoted one's well being by leading freedom and liberty. This factor had stimulated the Southern American countries to question their authority; it also helped them recognize their natural rights as a human, which urged them to seek their own freedom.

b. In my opinion, besides Bolivar, Toussaint L'Ouverture was one of the most important revolutionary figure in Latin America. Even though he was only known for leading the slave revolt, his accomplishment had inspired many other revolts against slavery. Latin American revolutions in my definition not only worked to aim liberty, but also the freedom of one's nature. Toussaint L'Ouverture might not have freed any of the Southern American territory out of the Spanish rule, yet he had ended slavery in Haiti, freeing the lives of so many innocent people that were exploited for their labour and well-being. To me it is better to have the freedom to be yourself (of course under regulations) and to attain adequate human rights so that one can grow and develop healthily.