List of Hispanic American caudillos

Caudillo means "little head" or "little chief") is part of the larger Iberian tradition of authoritarian leaders, with roots in the Iberian past, particularly in the Reconquista.

[2] A number of military leaders who were part of the Spanish American struggle for independence took on political roles in during the establishment of new sovereign nation-states.

Caudillos often have a personalist connection with their popular followers, combining charisma and machismo ("manliness"), access to political and economic power.

[3] Many caudillos brought order to their areas of control, but also resorted to violence with their armed supporters to achieve it.

The early nineteenth century has been considered the "Age of Caudillos," but authoritarian regimes existed in the twentieth century as well, with caudillismo casting a long shadow.