Bernardo O'Higgins - Liberator of Chile

Introduction

Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme (1778-1842) is one of the most important figures in the history of Chile and South America. Considered one of the founding fathers of the Chilean nation, O'Higgins played a crucial role in Chile's independence from Spanish rule, being the country's first Supreme Director during the period of its consolidation as an independent republic. His life was marked by his mestizo origins, his military training, and his decisive participation in the battles for independence, as well as a political and social legacy that still lives on in the Chilean collective memory.

Early years and training

Bernardo O'Higgins was born on 20 August 1778 in Chillán, a city in south-central Chile, to an upper-class mestizo family. His father was Ambrosio O'Higgins, an Irish nobleman who had emigrated to Spain and had distinguished himself as a military man and colonial official, eventually becoming viceroy of Peru. His mother, Isabel Riquelme, was a woman of the local aristocracy. The situation of his birth was atypical, as O'Higgins was the illegitimate son of his mother and father, which meant that, although Ambrosio O'Higgins recognised him as a son, Bernardo did not enjoy the social privileges of the direct descendants of a legally sanctioned union.

At the age of 13, O'Higgins was sent to Lima, the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru, where he studied at the Real Convictorio de San Carlos. There, he received a rigorous education that included subjects such as mathematics, philosophy, and military sciences, which would later be fundamental to his career. However, O'Higgins was also exposed to the enlightened ideas and ideals of freedom circulating in Europe and America, influences that, together with the political tensions of the time, would mark his path towards activism for independence.

Return to Chile and first steps towards independence

In 1796, after completing his education in Peru, Bernardo O'Higgins returned to Chile, where he became involved in local political and social life. Over the next decade, O'Higgins became a well-known figure in Chilean society. Despite his mestizo origins, he was linked to the Creole elites due to his paternal lineage and his prestige in education. At the beginning of the 19th century, independence movements began to take shape in Latin America, fueled by the ideas of the French Revolution and the independence of the United States, which created a breeding ground for the first protests against Spanish rule.

In 1810, the May Revolution broke out in Buenos Aires, and soon patriotic movements began to stir in Chile as well. In this context, O'Higgins aligned himself with the most radical sectors of Chilean society and joined the independence cause. In 1810, the open council of Santiago gave rise to the first patriotic government, which sought to resist Spanish authority in America, and O'Higgins joined the movement.

O'Higgins proved himself to be a charismatic leader and military strategist. As the struggle for independence intensified, he rose through the ranks of the patriotic army. He was prominent in several battles, but his decisive role was consolidated in the Battle of Maipú in 1818, where the patriotic forces, under his leadership, definitively defeated the royalist troops, ensuring Chile's independence.

The war of independence and the rise to power

During the years leading up to independence, O'Higgins participated in several military campaigns, in which he stood out for his tactical skill and his ability to organize and mobilize troops. In 1813, with the defeat of the patriotic forces at the Battle of Rancagua, Chile fell again under Spanish control. However, the effort for independence continued with renewed vigor. In late 1817, Chilean troops, supported by the armies of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata, under the command of General José de San Martín, launched a final offensive. In the famous Battle of Maipú, on April 5, 1818, the patriotic forces, commanded by O'Higgins, defeated the royalists and ended the war in Chile.

The victory at Maipú consolidated Chilean independence and allowed O'Higgins to assume the highest authority in the country. On February 16, 1818, after the victory, he was named Supreme Director of Chile, a position equivalent to a head of state, and assumed the leadership of the country at a crucial stage of its independence.

Supreme Directorate: achievements and challenges

As Supreme Director, Bernardo O'Higgins faced internal and external challenges. His main task was to consolidate the newly achieved independence and create a stable state. Domestically, he had to deal with political instability, as Chile was divided between the so-called “unitarians” (who favored a centralized government) and the “federals” (who advocated a federal system similar to that of the United States). O'Higgins aligned himself with the unitarians, supporting a centralized government that would allow him to have stronger control over the country.

During his term, O'Higgins promoted a series of reforms to modernize the economy and public administration. He established a public education system, promoted agriculture and mining, and encouraged the creation of infrastructure such as roads and ports. Policies of equality before the law were also implemented and measures were taken for the integration of indigenous peoples into Chilean society.

However, his government was unpopular among certain sectors of the population. The federalists opposed his authoritarianism, and the landed aristocracy viewed with suspicion the reforms he implemented. In addition, the international situation was complicated: Chile was surrounded by hostile or unstable countries, such as the Viceroyalty of Peru, where royalist forces continued to fight for dominance, and the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata, which also had their own internal problems.

Fall and exile

Despite his achievements, O'Higgins suffered from growing political unrest during his tenure. In 1823, following several internal revolts and pressure from sectors opposed to his government, O'Higgins was forced to resign. On January 28 of that year, he abdicated as Supreme Director and retired from power, leaving a leadership vacuum in Chile.

O'Higgins went into exile in Lima, Peru, and lived out his final years in relative seclusion. During his exile, he was recognized by some political and military figures for his independence efforts, but he never again held any significant positions. In 1842, Bernardo O'Higgins died in Lima, where he was buried with honors. His death was a significant event for Chile, and his legacy as an independence leader was reaffirmed in the years that followed.

Legacy

Bernardo O'Higgins' legacy is deep and multifaceted. In Chile, his figure is closely associated with the country's independence and republican ideals. His image is venerated in monuments, plazas and statues throughout Chile, and his name is present in cities such as O'Higgins, in the Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins Region, which bears his name in his honor.

Although his mandate was controversial and his figure suffered criticism during his lifetime, today O'Higgins is recognized as one of the main founders of the Republic of Chile, and his contribution to the freedom and independence of the country has been widely acknowledged.