The Caudillos were reformist. Many popularized their main goals as being to improve economic standings and government reform, thus improving the current lives of the people inhabited in these areas. However, many of the Caudillos also used their newly gained power to promote their own wealth and interests.

The majority of Caudillos came from very much the same backgrounds. They were powerful land owners and famous war heroes. They were often times of higher educated. They were often Creole. They were already in strong military standings before they attempted to attain the social power over the state. They often times had very similar personalities as well. They were capable of commanding large sums of people and holding the attention of large crowds with growing excitement. The best Caudillos seemed to have a very dramatic charisma that led people to believe in their cause, allowing their invading ideas and policies to overcome these states with little difficulty. Caudillos were neither conservative nor liberal, but were rather pragmatic leaders.

A few examples of powerful Caudillos in South America during the early 1800s include Manual de Rosas in Argentina, Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana in Mexico, and Dr. Francia, the “El Supremo” in Paraguay. All three were very liberal leaders.

Manual de Rosas rose from being one of the largest and most productive ranchers in the area. He used his strong charisma to unify the country.

Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana was Mexico’s greatest military leader. He is best known for defending Mexico from outside invasion (much being United States) during his time in power.