Here's a breakdown of the process:
* Colonial Period: From the 16th to the 19th centuries, Spain colonized vast swathes of territory in the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, and most of South America.
* Seeds of Independence: Ideas of Enlightenment and the success of the American Revolution sparked revolutionary movements in the colonies.
* Independence Wars: From the early 1800s, various independence wars erupted throughout Latin America.
* Key Figures: Leaders like Simon Bolivar, José de San Martín, and Miguel Hidalgo played crucial roles in the liberation struggles.
* Independence Declarations: By the 1820s, most of the Spanish colonies had declared independence, forming independent nations.
While the process was complex and varied from country to country, it ultimately resulted in the emergence of numerous independent nations in Latin America, shaping the political landscape of the region.