Spanish American Independence Movements: A History in Documents

The independence movements of Spanish America in the early nineteenth century constitute one of the main junctures in Latin American history. Not only did they put an end to Spanish colonialism in mainland America; they also created the modern countries stretching from Mexico in the north to Chile and Argentina in the south. Spanish American Independence Movements sheds light on the complicated period from 1780/81, when Peru was rocked by Túpac Amaru’s revolt, through 1826, when independence fighters defeated the last Spanish forces in mainland America. Wim Klooster offers a rich and wide-ranging introduction to the period and provides primary documents—most appearing in English for the first time—that reveal the arguments and struggles not just of the rebels but also of those who remained loyal to Spain. Comments “This is an invaluable collection for teaching and research. With a helpful framing introduction informed by the latest scholarship, a glossary, maps, and timelines, it sets the stage for a wide range of documents and voices from the revolutionary era. It is impressive in its scope, incorporating sources from Europe and the Americas, from across the ‘Indies’ and straddling the lines between rebels and loyalists. It is truly a magnificent volume.” — Jeremy Adelman, Henry Charles Lea Professor of History, Princeton University “This volume offers an excellent selection of primary sources that gives voice to the diverse historical actors who witnessed and participated in the Spanish American Independence movements. Wim Klooster's detailed and thought-provoking introduction, along with the rich variety of intellectually stimulating documents, will prove to be a valuable research and teaching resource.” — Cristina Soriano, Villanova University “This documentary history of the Independence of Spanish America showcases impressive breadth of geographical coverage (in the Americas and in Europe), provides complete chronological coverage of the Independence Era, and includes the voice and agency of plebeians, blacks, elites, and foreign observers alike. This outstanding volume is a necessary and useful resource for students, instructors, and researchers of Latin America and the Age of Atlantic Revolutions.” — Fabrício Prado, College of William & Mary