They were often charismatic and populist, gaining influence by championing the interests of the disenfranchised. However, they were often ruthless and dictatorial in maintaining power.
Caudillos were mostly prominent during the post-independence period of Latin America, when the region was politically and economically unstable.
Some of the notable caudillos include:
- Juan Manuel de Rosas (Argentina)
- José Antonio Páez (Venezuela)
- Francisco Morazán (Central America)
- Gabriel García Moreno (Ecuador)
- Porfirio Díaz (Mexico)
- Fulgencio Batista (Cuba)
- Anastasio Somoza García (Nicaragua)