Spain's colonies in Central and South America got a taste of independence when .?

Spain's colonies in Central and South America began to gain a taste of independence during the early 19th century, largely influenced by the Napoleonic Wars in Europe, which weakened Spanish authority. The invasion of Spain by Napoleonic forces in 1808 led to the establishment of local juntas in the colonies that asserted their autonomy. This period saw a surge of revolutionary movements, culminating in a series of uprisings and wars for independence throughout the region, with key leaders like Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín emerging to champion the cause. By the mid-1820s, most of Spain's former colonies had successfully achieved independence.