Libertadores (Spanish pronunciation: [liβeɾtaˈðoɾes] , "Liberators") were the principal leaders of the Spanish American wars of independence from Spain and of the movement in support of Brazilian independence from Portugal. They are named that way in contrast with the Conquistadors.[1]
They were largely local-born men of European descent (criollos), in most cases part of the bourgeoisie and with military training in the motherland, who were influenced by liberalism and led colonial subjects in their struggle for independence against the metropole.
- ^ Pigna, p. 9