Political Power and Independence:
* Independence from Spain: The Creoles were the driving force behind the independence movements in Latin America. They resented the restrictions imposed by Spain, the control of the colonial government, and the lack of opportunities for advancement within the Spanish colonial system.
* Political equality: They wanted to break free from Spanish rule and establish their own independent governments with power distributed among themselves, not the Spanish elite.
Economic Opportunities:
* Free trade: Creoles sought to break free from Spain's restrictive trade policies and engage in free trade with other countries, particularly in Europe and the United States. This would allow them to expand their businesses and access new markets.
* Control of land and resources: Creoles desired control over the land and resources of their regions, which had been largely controlled by the Spanish crown. They wanted to be able to exploit these resources for their own benefit.
Social Status and Identity:
* Recognition and respect: They sought recognition and respect as equals to their Spanish counterparts in Europe, even though they were born in the Americas.
* Social mobility: They desired greater social mobility and the ability to rise in society based on their own merit and wealth, rather than their lineage.
However, their desires were often complicated by:
* Internal divisions: There were divisions among Creoles based on wealth, region, and political ideologies, which often hampered their unity in achieving their goals.
* Competing interests: The desires of Creoles often clashed with the interests of other groups in Latin America, such as indigenous peoples, Africans, and the lower classes.
In summary, the Creoles generally wanted independence, political power, economic opportunities, and social recognition in the new Latin American countries. They sought to create a new order that would break free from Spanish domination and allow them to prosper in their own right.