Riz, Liliana De. “Caudillismo.” Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Sept. 2015. Web. 14 Nov. 2016.
This article gives a brief overview of the concept of Caudillismo. It uses specific examples such as Domingo Faustino Sarmiento’s book Facundo, written in 1845, which gives a “classical interpretation of Latin American caudillism,” (Riz) to back up its evidence, as well as mentioning specific caudillos throughout Latin American history which allows the reader to gain a brief but thorough understanding of how caudillism began in the 19th century. This particular article could be helpful for our project due to its clear definition and basic examples of several methods that different caudillos have used over time. Looking at a more pertinent example for our group’s main area of focus, this article looks at many caudillos, including Argentina’s Juan Manuel de Rosas, who was known for his “physical vigor, spontaneous cruelty, and … despotism,” (Riz). The text offers insight into the varying meanings of the term caudillismo, which since the origin of its name has generally meant “a system of political-social domination, based on the leadership of a strongman,” while caudillo was used to describe the “head of irregular forces who ruled a politically distinct territory,” (Riz). These distinctions could prove useful in our project with its analyzation of the different uses of power in this time period in the 19th century. (211)
Shumway, Jeffrey M. “Juan Manuel de Rosas.” Juan Manuel de Rosas – Latin American Studies – Oxford Bibliographies. N.p., 30 Sep. 2013. Web. 14 Nov. 2016.
This article is exclusively on the history of Juan Manuel de Rosas, often referred to as “Restorer of the Laws,” a tyrannical Argentinian dictator who ruled from 1829-1832, and again from 1835-1852. Honing in on this power figure will help this project be more focused, rather than simply flitting from point to point, giving us a clearer insight into the ideologies of, not just Rosas, the caudillos in general. Using Rosas as a focus figure provides insight into the rough reigns the caudillos had over those they ruled, and I find the controversy surrounding Rosas’s rule quite interesting. He was a very strong, yet feared ruler. Many argue that his brutal ways were similar to that of Spanish colonialism, and that he paved the path for future political violence. However, there are others that “see him as a great defender of Argentine sovereignty, culture, and national identity” (Shumway). For instance, the article uses the common terms “left-wings,” who were the anti-Rosas liberals, and “right-wings,” to describe the Rosas supporters; Revisionists. It takes a look at some of his successes and failures, as well as his heavy hand on those who opposed him. I think that this article will help us to delve further into understanding the powerful leaders, good and bad, at that time as we explore the era of the caudillos. (222)
