PILLARS
Bernardo O'Higgins
The leader of Chile's first independent government and a brilliant soldier, Bernardo O'Higgins led the Chileans in their battle for independence. An idealist reformer, he was the first nationalist in the Americas to abolish black slavery. An extraordinary leader in face of overwhelming odds, O'higgins preservered to the very end as he was later exiled.
Jose de San Martin
One of the greatest heroes of South American independence was Jose de San Martin. He helped liberate Argentina, Chile, and Peru from Spanish rule. A proud ruler, at the height of his success he relinquished his power to Simon Bolivar after a historic meeting in 1822. In later years he would live a peaceful life with his young daughter Mercedes.
Simon Bolivar
Known as El Libertador (the Liberator), Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia owe their independence from Spain to Simon Bolivar. Born on July 24, 1783 into a prominent family in Venezuela, this great statesman, writer, and revolutionary general gave up his status for a more noble cause, independence of Latin America from foreign rule.
Benito Juarez
Mexico's national hero and its first president of Indian descent was Benito Juarez. During his years in the Mexican Government, he succeeded in undermining the power of the Roman Catholic Church and the wealthy landlords in order to make Mexico a constitutional democracy. Benito Juarez is also known for his efforts against the 1861 French intervention.
Jose Marti
Cuba's foremost patriot in the struggle for independence from Spain was the poet and essayist Jose Julian Marti. His lifelong dedication to Cuban freedom was spelled out in essays and poems that circulated throughout the Latin American countries. His essays did much to promote better relations between the United States and Latin America and Latin countries.
