Final answer:
The independence movements in Latin America were primarily influenced by economic inequality and exploitation by European colonial powers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The independence movements in Latin America were primarily influenced by economic inequality and exploitation by European colonial powers. This can be seen in the fact that colonial rule hindered the development of the rapidly growing colonial states in Latin America. The well-educated elite leaders of the independence movements faced resistance from the majority mixed-race population, who often sided with the homeland. The exploitative White creole minority negotiated their successes at each step due to the lack of popular support. Additionally, the movements received little outside assistance, encountered geographic and natural obstacles, and had to overcome the economic and cultural isolation of the various regions they were trying to unite.