The South American wars of independence were a series of conflicts in the early 19th century where various countries sought to break free from Spanish colonial rule. These wars were influenced by the American Revolution and the French Revolution, which inspired local leaders to fight for freedom and self-governance. Key figures in these struggles included Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín, who played crucial roles in liberating countries like Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile. By the mid-1820s, most of South America had achieved independence, leading to the establishment of several new nations.