The South American wars of independence were a series of military conflicts in the early 19th century, primarily between 1808 and 1826. These wars aimed to free various countries in South America from Spanish colonial rule. Key figures in these struggles included Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín, who led campaigns to establish independent nations. The wars resulted in the independence of several countries, including Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Colombia. The conflicts were influenced by the American Revolution and the French Revolution, which inspired local leaders to seek self-governance and freedom from colonial oppression.