IMPORTANT! Based on the passage below, which best describes the political situation in Latin America in 1800?

In 1800, Spanish and Portuguese monarchs still ruled their colonies in the Americas with a tight grip. They saw the colonies as little more than sources of wealth for the ruling (mother) country. To make sure they got as much money and resources from their colonies, the mother countries imposed harsh policies on the colonies, including a rigid class structure. European born Peninsulares carried out the King's will. Colonists, especially Creoles, white aristocrats born in the Americas, complained. As the 18th century came to a close, more Latin American colonists started to speak of revolution. Inspired by events in North America and Europe, they talked eagerly about being free from the rule of kings.

Question 1 options:

Most of the region's colonies were ruled by European nations and were ready to fight for independence.

Roughly half of the region's colonies had gained their independence through revolution.

The United States and France were helping prepare Latin America for independence.

Spain and Portugal were in the process of granting independence to their colonies.