Compare and contrast the way Latin American peoples achieved independence to the similar process in the United States. How similar were their goals? How well did they achieve these goals?

There are both similarities and differences in the way the peoples of Latin America and the United States achieved their independence. The differences outnumber the similarities, however.
One similarity is that both were influenced by the Enlightenment. This movement emphasized logical thinking and scientific research. Also, individual freedom and democratic ideas became much more important.
A second similarity is that both won their independence on the battlefield. George Washington led his army to victory against the British after years of warfare. Although Brazil was a notable exception, Latin American independence was won in battle, too.
One difference prior to the revolutions was the class structure of the two societies. Latin America had more distinct social classes than North America. The Latin American social classes were based on race. A small minority—at the top—were those Spaniards who were born in Spain. Below them were the creoles (Spaniards born in Latin America). Below the creoles were mixed-race groups. At the bottom were enslaved Africans and Indians. The creoles would lead the revolution in most of Latin America.
Another difference between the two revolutions was the importance of foreign intervention. Foreign help—especially that provided by France—played a key role in helping North America win independence. Latin America, on the other hand, did not benefit from foreign intervention during its wars for independence.
A third difference was in military and political leadership. George Washington was a capable leader both during the war and as the first president of a new nation. Latin American revolts were led by numerous men: Simón Bolívar and José de San Martin (South America), Toussaint L'Ouverture (Haiti), and Agustín de Iturbide (Mexico). Some of these men were just as good as Washington in generalship. But none of them was able to provide effective and democratic leadership for Latin America after independence was won. Iturbide was assassinated. Bolívar narrowly escaped assassination. Compared to North America, Latin America seemed ungovernable.
Despite some similarities, the differences between the regions during this period were much more striking.