Libertadores



Libertadores (,, "Liberators") refers to the principal leaders of the Latin American wars of independence from Spain and Portugal. They are named that way in contrast with the Conquistadors, who were so far the only Spanish/Portuguese peoples recorded in the South American history.

They were largely bourgeois, criollos (local-born people of European, mostly of Spanish or Portuguese, ancestry) influenced by liberalism and in most cases with military training in the metropole (mother country).

Liberators identified as among the most prominent by historians are:
 * Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla
 * José de San Martín
 * José Gervasio Artigas
 * Simón Bolívar
 * Antonio José de Sucre
 * Bernardo O'Higgins
 * Francisco de Miranda
 * Dom Pedro I of Brazil

Legacy
The flags of Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador follow Francisco de Miranda's design of 1806. Also, Bolivia was named after Bolivar, who in turn was president of Colombia, Bolivia and twice of Venezuela. San Martín served as "President Protector" of Peru.

Liberators' names were used all over South America to name anything from towns and places to institutions and sports clubs. Also, the most prestigious international club football competition in South America is named the Copa Libertadores in their honour.