Between 1775 and 1825, revolutions broke out across the Americas and Europe. Colonies in the Americas wanted their independence from European empires. Within 50 years, new nations throughout the Atlantic had achieved independence. Revolutionaries were inspired by the ideals of the Enlightenment, such as individual freedom. They rejected the authority of the aristocracy, or the traditional ruling class. Revolutions during this era included the American War of Independence and the French Revolution. There was also the Haitian Revolution and  revolutions in Latin America. These revolutions were connected by a network of ideas, trade, and global events. While each revolution was different, they were all influenced by global political conditions and by each other.