The Central American nations gained independence by breaking away from the Mexican Empire.
In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain. After that, the Central American provinces debated whether to remain part of Mexico or become independent. In 1823, a congress of Central American leaders declared independence from Mexico. This was followed by a brief war between Mexico and Central America, which ended with Mexico recognizing Central America's independence in 1825.
The other options are incorrect:
- Central America was never a colony of Portugal, so it could not have gained independence from Portugal.
- Simón Bolívar was a South American liberator, and his forces never fought in Central America.
- Central America did not make an agreement with Mexico's monarchy to gain independence.
It is important to note that the independence of Central America was not a peaceful process. There was some fighting between the Central American provinces and Mexico, and there were also internal conflicts within the Central American provinces.
Here is a more detailed timeline of the events leading to Central American independence:
- 1808: Napoleon invades Spain and forces King Ferdinand VII to abdicate. This creates a power vacuum in Spain and its colonies, including Central America.
- 1810: Mexico begins its war of independence from Spain.
- 1814: Ferdinand VII is restored to the throne of Spain and begins to suppress dissent in his colonies.
- 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain.
- 1822: Central American provinces declare independence from Mexico.
- 1823-1825: War between Central America and Mexico. Mexico eventually recognizes Central America's independence.
Central America's independence was a significant event in the history of Latin America. It was one of the first regions in Latin America to gain independence from Spain, and it inspired other Latin American countries to fight for their own independence.