O'Higgins, Bernardo, 1778-1842

Bernardo O'Higgins, 1778-1842, was born in Chile of Chilean and Irish descent. O'Higgins, educated in England in military navigation, eventually became a leading Chilean patriot, known by the popular titles "The Father of the Nation," "Founder of the Republic," and "Liberator of Chile" throughout his life and in posterity, as well as by the official title of Supreme Director of Chile (designating him as the country's dictator) from 1817-1823. Among his achievements are the creation of the First Squadron of Chile and the formation of the armed forces of that nation. O'Higgins is also known for creating the governmental institutions necessary to a republic which eventually facilitated the liberation of South American countries. He is credited with the creation of the Military School in Chile as well as the army and the naval school. He was also integral to the reorganization of the port of Valparaíso and the customs service in the interest of controlling the flow of contraband into the country. However, he is best known for his promulgation of Chilean nationalism and his proclamation of Chilean independence from Spain and for procuring the recognition of Chile as a sovereign nation from various countries.

From the description of Letters, 1820-1840. (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 44637405

Chilean revolutionist. Became supreme commander of Chilean Army against Spain 1813; as dictator of Chile 1817-1823 declared independence and drove out Spanish; deposed by aristocratic party in 1823 and lived the rest of his life in Peru.

From the description of ALS : Lima, Peru, to Sir John Doyle, 1827 Feb. 20. (Rosenbach Museum & Library). WorldCat record id: 122475415

Bernardo O'Higgins, 1778-1842, was born in Chile of Chilean and Irish descent. O'Higgins, educated in England in military navigation, eventually became a leading Chilean patriot, known by the popular titles "The Father of the Nation," "Founder of the Republic," and "Liberator of Chile" throughout his life and in posterity, as well as by the official title of Supreme Director of Chile (designating him as the country's dictator) from 1817-1823. He is ranked with San Martín and Simón Bolívar among the great liberators of South America. O'Higgins joined the Chilean revolutionists in 1810. By 1813, he had gained supreme command of the army. In 1817, upon defeat of the Spanish, O'Higgins was made dictator (Supreme Director) of Chile, though, curiously, he is known for his leaning toward a democratic form of government with elected officials as opposed to the hereditary leadership previously known in Chile under Spanish government. Among his achievements are the creation of the First Squadron of Chile and the formation of the armed forces of that nation. O'Higgins is also known for creating the governmental institutions necessary to a republic which eventually facilitated the liberation of South American countries. He is credited with the creation of the Military School in Chile as well as the army and the naval school. He was also integral to the reorganization of the port of Valparaíso and the customs service in the interest of controlling the flow of contraband into the country. However, he is best known for his promulgation of Chilean nationalism and his proclamation of Chilean independence from Spain and for procuring the recognition of Chile as a sovereign nation from various countries.

In addition to his prominent role in Chilean politics and military prowess, O'Higgins also served as Brigadier of the army of Buenos Aires, Argentina, as a naval leader of Peru where he is also considered "The Liberator," and as a key player in Peru's independence. His grand political design was of a united South American republic.

From the guide to the Bernardo O'Higgins Letters, 1820, 1840, (University of New Mexico. Center for Southwest Research.)