
South America: A Popular Illustrated History of the Struggle for Liberty in the Andean Republics and Cuba
by Hezekiah Butterworth. 1898. 266p
The struggle for independence in South America was marked by significant figures such as Tupac Amaru, who led a revolution against Spanish oppression, symbolizing the aspirations of indigenous people for liberation. Joseph Bonaparte's appointment as "King of the Indies" by Napoleon failed to gain acceptance among the South American provinces, further complicating the political landscape as various factions, including royalists and patriots, vied for power.
Simón Bolívar and Francisco de Miranda emerged as pivotal leaders in the independence movement, with Bolívar advocating for unity and decisive action against colonial rule. Miranda's indecisiveness and the pressures of the moment led to missed opportunities, ultimately resulting in a fragmented struggle for freedom. The call for independence was fueled by a desire for self-governance and the establishment of a new order, as the patriots sought to unite against the remnants of colonial authority.