Reconquista (Spanish America)

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In colonial Spanish America, the Reconquista refers to the period following Napoleon's failed invasion of the Iberian Peninsula in 1808. During the invasion, a number of Spanish colonies in the New World moved for greater autonomy or independence outright. After Napoleon left Spain defeated, Ferdinand VII declared these movements illegal, sent armies to quell them, and restored governments loyal to the king. This restoration occurred most notably in Chile, Colombia (then New Granada), and Venezuela; but, in each, the restoration was short lived. It began the 15 year period known as Bolívar's War.