Caudillo

Uncommon card · No. 91214

A caudillo ( kaw-DEE(L)-yoh, kow-, Spanish: [kawˈðiʎo]; Old Spanish: cabdillo, from Latin capitellum, diminutive of caput "head") is a type of personalist leader wielding military and political power. The term is historically associated with Spain and post-independence Hispanic America. It is often used interchangeably with "military dictator", "warlord", "strongman", and "Generalissimo", but specifically to Spain and Hispanic America. The roots of caudillismo may be tied to the framework of rule in medieval and early modern Spain during the Reconquista from the Moors. Spanish conquistadors such as Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro exhibit characteristics of the caudillo, being successful military leaders, having mutual reliance on the leader and their supporters, and rewarding them for their loyalty. An important characteristic of caudillos is their charisma, which drew in followers who could be used to change the political climate and shape state formation in the postcolonial era....

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