How Did Spain Gain Independence

In order to understand the reasons behind why independence came about as and when it did, it is necessary to clearly understand what is meant by the term ‘independence’. Independence is when you are not being influenced or controlled by someone, however for the American colonies, Spain was governing almost every aspect of their development.
Independence in Spain’s American colonies came about as and when it did due to four main factors, economic, social, political and military. There was a growing dislike of Spain's restrictions over economic matters, there were restrictions on trade and the colonies were used to fund the Crown’s expenses. Social factors focus on cultural differences between Spain and then Colonies, particularly with the Creoles
The American Revolution provided a good example for the colonies as they were able to become independent from its rulers and have a fairer and democratic society. The Haitian Revolution also had a positive influence for those in the colonies as it was the first successful revolution against a European ruler. More so, there were Haitian people who helped to assist the Latin American revolutionaries. They provided funds, manpower and leadership to the Latin American cause. The French Revolution which promoted enlightenment ideas of freedom and equal rights also played a role in shaping the events which helped the colonies to gain independence and significantly through influencing Simón
Ferdinand had always relied on military force to impose his policies. Before Napoleon’s influence, both Spain and its empire were loyal to the absolute monarch, however with Ferdinand out of power, Spain was divided into those who supported absolutism or constitutionalism and this spread to Latin America and the colonies where many creoles were enthusiastic about the elections. Those in the colonies were divided into those who supported an increased colonial autonomy and those who favoured the original colonial relationship with Spain. In Venezuela there were many who actively sought after political independence. Ferdinand, on his return to power refused any compromise and as such there were only two options for those in the colonies independence or absolutism with barely any alterations to what existed before 1808. In a desperate attempt to re-establish order and control in the colonies, Ferdinand used a military force, but this only helped to bring the colonies a step closer to independence. The failure of Ferdinand’s policy was clear in 1819. The cost of sending and maintaining troops in the New World was greater than what the Crown’s revenues could support. Already in debt, the destruction of war and breakdown of regular shipping had taken its toll on the empire. Chile, Argentina and Paraguay were effectively independent, and northern South America on the eve on