Latin American independence refers to the series of movements in the early 19th century that led to the liberation of various countries in Latin America from Spanish and Portuguese colonial rule. Key figures in these movements included Simón Bolívar, José de San Martín, and Miguel Hidalgo, who inspired revolutions across the region. The struggle for independence was influenced by Enlightenment ideas and the success of the American and French revolutions. By the 1820s, most Latin American countries had achieved independence, resulting in the formation of new nations such as Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. However, the transition to stable governance was challenging, leading to political instability and conflicts in the years that followed.