Bernardo Higgins National hero of chile Country: Chile

1. Biography of Bernardo O'Higgins
2. Early Life and Education
3. Political Activism
4. Chilean Independence
5. Return and Liberation of Chile

Biography of Bernardo O'Higgins

Bernardo O'Higgins, a national hero of Chile, was born in Chillán, a city in southern Chile, during the time of Spanish colonization. He was the son of Ambrosio O'Higgins, an officer in the Spanish army of Irish descent, who later became the Governor of Chile and the Viceroy of Peru.

Early Life and Education

From the age of 12, Bernardo studied in Lima, the capital of Peru, and later, when he turned 17, he continued his education in London. In England, Bernardo became acquainted with Francisco de Miranda, a well-known fighter for the independence of Venezuela, and was inspired by the ideas of achieving independence for the Spanish-American colonies.

Political Activism

In 1799, O'Higgins traveled to Spain, where he continued his contacts with participants of the national liberation movement in Latin America. His position as the son of the Viceroy of Venezuela gave him additional opportunities for such activities. In 1801, Ambrosio O'Higgins passed away, leaving Bernardo his estate in Chile, which became the foundation of his wealth. In 1806, Bernardo joined the local municipality of Chillán.

Chilean Independence

The occupation of Spain by Napoleon in 1808 allowed the American colonies to pursue a more independent policy. In 1810, a nationalist junta seized power in Chile, overthrowing the Governor-General, and in 1811, the Chilean Congress was convened for the first time. Bernardo O'Higgins was elected as a congressman, and for the next two years, he held key positions in the Congress.

By 1813, Chile had a constitution and a government that could effectively prevent the country from falling into civil war. However, in 1814, the Viceroy of Peru initiated the invasion of royalist forces into Chile. O'Higgins was appointed as a general and the commander-in-chief of the army. However, the resistance to the invasion under his leadership proved weak, and he was replaced as commander. In October 1814, Chilean patriots suffered a crushing defeat, and the country came under the rule of the Viceroy of Venezuela for three years.

Return and Liberation of Chile

Several thousand fighters of the national army, led by O'Higgins, crossed the Andes into Argentine territory. For the next three years, O'Higgins prepared for a campaign back to Chile. In 1817, together with the army of José de San Martín, O'Higgins' troops liberated Chile.

For the next six years, O'Higgins served as the Supreme Director of Chile. In this position, he sought to implement democratic changes in the country, but faced significant resistance from the aristocracy and the church leadership, which eventually led to his resignation and exile. From 1823 until his death, O'Higgins lived in Peru.