Struggle+for+Independence

__ Struggle for Independence  __ The struggle for independence from Spain in Bolivia was a long struggle. In 1807-08 Napoleon’s forces invaded the Iberian Peninsula, which was pivotal in the independence of Bolivia. The Bourbon Dynasty was overthrown and Joseph Bonaparte was put on the Spanish Throne. This tested the loyalty of the citizens and government in Bolivia. Most people stayed loyal to Spain. A number of Creoles started wanting independence for Spain. This conflict of authority resulted in a local power struggle in Upper Peru between 1808 and 1810 and constituted the first phase of the efforts to achieve independence(countrystudies). On May 25, 1809, the Creoles denied to recognize the junta as power in Bolivia and started a riot (countrystudies). This riot was short lived and was put out very quickly. This was one of the first riots in Latin America recorded. All though this riot didn’t do much damage, it sent messages through out all of South America to become independent. On July 16, 1809, another riot broke out led by Pedro Domingo Murillo was led a large group of Creoles and Mestizos. This was in La Paz and they started an independent state in the name of Ferdinand the seventh. Cochabamba, Oruro, and Potosí had joined Murillo by November of 1809(countrystudies). Royalist Forces of Spain sent by the Viceroy went into La Paz and took the city back. Although they were able to recapture the city, it was never completely controlled by Spain again. Bolivia was a large battleground for the Forces of the Argentine Republic and the Royalist troops. War waged on for several years(countrystudies). The Royalists had most major cities and the Guerrillas had most of the countryside. The local patriotism soon turned into a fight for Independence. The final decisive battle between the two forces was in 1824, the Battle of Ayacucho. After this, the Royalist killed their own leader and the Battle for Independence was essentially over.

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