In the early 19th century, the Spanish throne fled to the New World in response to Napoleon's invasion. What was expected to be a short stay in exile, however, turned into a lifetime for some of the Bourbons who preferred to stay in America. After the Spanish king returned to Madrid, many of the American colonies began to demand greater autonomy and representation in the empire. Tensions boiled over into full-blown revolution in 1817 once it became clear that the king would not compromise. These revolutionaries envisioned a united Spanish America, which they dubbed Colombia after the great explorer.The nation soon rallied behind the king's younger brother, who was dubbed Emperor Francisco I of Colombia. From Mexico City, orders and decrees went forth to the rest of the continent to organize a united revolutionary front. Over the next several years they beat back both Spanish forces and republican nationalists with the help of the British empire.This map shows the empire shortly before the end of the war in 1820, and just after it won its independence in 1821.