How did European events affect Latin America?
Spain and Portugal had enormous colonies in South and Central America. For many years these colonies had wanted independence, but all signs of revolt were ruthlessly suppressed. Napoleon’s battles in Europe, however, gave the colonies their opportunity for independence. Portugal and Spain were re-occupied by Napoleon, and the Latin American countries seized their opportunity. Between 1810 and 1830, the colonies declared themselves independent, defeating Spanish forces in Colombia and Peru in great battles. Freedom did not affect ordinary people because the former colonies were still ruled by landowners.
Why did Britannia rule the waves?
As an island nation, Britain depended entirely on developing a huge fleet to protect its trading links with the rest of the world. The trading ships which arrived first in port were always able to sell their cargoes of seasonal crops and other goods for the highest prices. This led to the development of more modern sailing ships that could travel faster than ever before. In addition to this, the heavily armed military vessels that protected them also became very efficient. Britain went to great lengths to protect her enormous empire and the wealth it brought. The empire’s survival was entirely dependent on British ships having the freedom of the seas.
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