What were the main causes of independence movements in the Americas?

The main causes of independence movements in the Americas were political, economic, social and intellectual discontent with European colonial rule.

The political causes were primarily rooted in the desire for self-governance. The American colonies, for instance, were frustrated with the British Parliament's attempts to exert control over them without their representation. This was encapsulated in the slogan "No taxation without representation". Similarly, in Latin America, the Creole elites (those of Spanish descent born in the Americas) were dissatisfied with the Spanish Crown's centralised control and the lack of political power they held.

Economic factors also played a significant role. The mercantilist policies of the European powers, which sought to make the colonies dependent on the mother country for trade, were deeply unpopular. In North America, the British imposed a series of taxes and trade restrictions that were met with resistance, culminating in events like the Boston Tea Party. In Latin America, the Bourbon Reforms imposed by Spain in the 18th century aimed to increase its control over its colonies and their economies, leading to widespread discontent.

Socially, there was a growing sense of a distinct American identity that was separate from Europe. This was particularly true in North America, where the majority of the population were either born in the colonies or were descendants of settlers. This sense of a unique identity was further fuelled by the Great Awakening, a religious revival that swept through the colonies in the mid-18th century. In Latin America, the social hierarchy was rigidly stratified, with the Peninsulares (those born in Spain) at the top and the indigenous and African populations at the bottom. The Creoles, despite being wealthy and educated, were often treated as second-class citizens, leading to resentment.

Lastly, the intellectual climate of the time, influenced by the Enlightenment, promoted ideas of liberty, equality and democracy. These ideas were embraced by many in the Americas, who saw them as a means to challenge the existing order. The American and French Revolutions, in particular, served as powerful examples of successful challenges to monarchical rule. The writings of thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, which emphasised the rights of the individual and the social contract between the governed and the government, were widely read and discussed in the Americas, further fuelling the desire for independence.