This Week in Latin American History: Independence movements & battles

August 10, 1809: Independence is declared in Quito, Ecuador, after nearly 300 years of Spanish rule. The movement was defeated a year later when troops from Lima, Peru, arrived and killed the leaders of the independence movement as well 200 citizens of the city. With a population of over 1,800,000, the capital city of Quito is now the second biggest city in Ecuador behind Guayaquil and is notable for being the second highest capital in the world and just 22 miles from the equator.

August 12, 1806: In command of Spanish forces, Jacques de Liniers (1753-1810), known more commonly by his Spanish name of Santiago de Liniers, retakes the city of Buenos Aires from invading British forces under William Carr Beresford. De Liniers was appointed viceroy in May of 1808 and served for over a year, during which there were several attempts by his political enemies to depose him. He was executed for treason in 1810 after leading a revolt in Córdoba.

August 12, 1898: The Spanish-American War comes to an end. The U.S. gains all of Spain's former colonies, which includes the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Guam. Cuba gains its independence though not without restrictions imposed by the U.S.; e.g., the U.S. right to curtail alliances with other nations.