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 began around 1808 and continued until the 1820s, resulting in the establishment of several independent nations, including Argentina, Mexico, and Colombia. Key figures in these struggles included leaders like Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín, who played crucial roles in mobilizing support and leading military campaigns. The wars were influenced by the ideas of the Enlightenment and the success of the American Revolution and the French Revolution, which inspired colonists to seek self-governance.