On the other hand, a caudillo is a Spanish term used to describe a military or political leader who wields great power and authority, often through dictatorial or authoritarian means. Caudillos typically emerge in times of political instability or chaos and use force, charisma, and patronage to maintain their power. They may be military strongmen, populist leaders, or even ruthless dictators.
While conquistadors were primarily active during the era of European exploration and conquest in the Americas, caudillos have been a recurring phenomenon throughout Latin American history. Many Latin American countries have experienced periods of caudillo rule, with leaders like Juan Manuel de Rosas in Argentina, José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia in Paraguay, and Augusto Pinochet in Chile being notable examples.
In summary, a conquistador is a historical figure associated with the Spanish conquest of the Americas, while a caudillo is a broader term used to describe powerful and authoritarian leaders in Latin American history who may come to power during times of political unrest or instability.