Many different people created revolutionary change in Latin America. Among them were an enslaved African, some military officers, a poor Mexican priest, and a king’s son.
Latin America refers to South America, Central America, Mexico, and most of the Caribbean islands. Enlightenment ideas came to this area in the late 1700s and early 1800s. People there were ruled by far-away European countries. So they liked the idea that people should choose their own government. In Spain’s colonies, society was strictly divided by class. Those born in Spain had the most power. Creoles, or Spaniards born in Latin America, could not hold important offices. However, they could gain wealth. Below these two groups were persons of mixed heritage. Next came enslaved Africans. At the very bottom of society were American Indians. Most of the revolutions in Latin America were led by creoles. Not surprisingly, most of these revolutions mostly helped the wealthy and not the poor.
