The Spanish American wars of independence were a series of conflicts in the early 19th century where various Latin American colonies fought to gain independence from Spanish rule. These wars were influenced by the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the desire for self-governance among the colonies. Key figures included Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín, who played significant roles in leading their nations to freedom. The wars began around 1808 and continued until the mid-1820s, resulting in the independence of countries such as Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Chile. The conflicts were marked by battles, political struggles, and the establishment of new governments, ultimately reshaping the political landscape of Latin America.