Bernardo O'Higgins

Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme (August 20, 1778 – October 24, 1842), South American revolutionary leader and first Chilean head of state (Supreme Director, 1817–23), commanded the military forces that won independence from Spain.

Related Topics:
August 20 - 1778 - October 24 - 1842 - South America - Revolution - Chilean head of state - 1817 - 23 - Spain

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O'Higgins was born in Chillán, Chile. As noted in his certificate of Baptism, he was the illegitimate son of Ambrosio O'Higgins, a Spanish officer from County Sligo in Ireland, who became governor of Chile and later viceroy of Peru. His mother was Isabel Riquelme, a prominent lady of Chillán.

Related Topics:
Chillán - Chile - Baptism - Ambrosio O'Higgins - County Sligo - Ireland - Viceroy - Peru - Isabel Riquelme

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O'Higgins spent his early years with his mother's family in south Chile. He had a distant relationship with his father who supported him financially and was concerned with his education, but never knew him. Spanish government officials in America were forbidden to marry locals.

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As Ambrosio O'Higgins became viceroy of Peru, O'Higgins was sent to London to complete his studies. There, Bernardo became acquainted with American-independist ideas: he knew Venezuelan Francisco de Miranda and joined the Logia Lautaro.

Related Topics:
Viceroy of Peru - London - Venezuela - Francisco de Miranda - Logia Lautaro

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In 1810 he joined the nationalist rebels who desired independence from Spain. In 1814, his Chilean rebels were defeated by the Spanish and retreated into the Andes. In 1817, O'Higgins went back on the offensive with the aid of Argentine General José de San Martín. On February 12, 1817 he led a cavalry charge that won the Battle of Chacabuco.

Related Topics:
1810 - Spain - Andes - 1817 - José de San Martín - February 12 - Cavalry - Battle of Chacabuco

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He became the first leader of independent Chile, and was granted dictatorial powers as Supreme Director on February 16, 1817. On February 12, 1818, Chile was proclaimed an independent republic. His six-year rule saw the founding of the Military Academy and the approval of the new (and current) Chilean flag. However, his more radical and liberal reforms (such as the establishment of democracy and abolishment of nobility titles) were resisted by the powerful conservative large-land owners. He was deposed by a conservative coup on January 28, 1823.

Related Topics:
February 16 - 1817 - February 12 - 1818 - Chilean flag - Democracy - January 28 - 1823

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O'Higgins spent the rest of his life in exile, and died in Lima, Peru in 1842. After his death, his remains were subsequently repatriated to Chile in 1869, moved in 1979 from the Military School to a place of honor in the Altar de la Patrias mausoleum in front of the Palacio de La Moneda government palace, and then back again temporarily to the Military School in 2004 for a year, during transformation of the Altar de la Patria into the new Plaza de la Ciudadanía (Citizens' Square).

Related Topics:
Lima - Peru - 1842 - 1869 - 1979 - Palacio de La Moneda - 2004

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There is a statue of O'Higgins in Richmond upon Thames, in south-west London in a square named after him, O'Higgins Square, and a blue plaque was erected in his honour at Clarence House in Richmond, the house at 2 The Vineyard in which he lived while studying in London.

Related Topics:
Richmond upon Thames - Blue plaque

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