Presidents and Dictators in Latin America

Latin America has traditionally been home to dictators: charismatic men who have seized almost complete control over their nations and held it for years, even decades. Some have been fairly benign, some cruel and violent, and others merely peculiar. Here are some of the more noteworthy men who have held dictatorial powers in their home nations. ?

Venezuelan Simon Bolivar was the most important leader of South America's Independence movement, which lasted from 1806 to 1825. A brilliant general and visionary politician, he led the liberation of Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. His dream of a strong, united Latin America is still unfulfilled.

Over the years, many men (and a few women) have been president of the different nations of South America. Some have been crooked, some noble, and some misunderstood, but their lives and accomplishments are always interesting.

It was Mario Puzo who allegedly said "A lawyer with a briefcase can steal more than a thousand men with guns." Well, if that's true, how much can you steal if you're President of a Latin American nation? A lot more than a lawyer with a briefcase, it turns out. Corrupt politicians in Latin America have been ripping off the citizens of their countries since the days of the Spanish Empire. What foll…

Gabriel García Moreno was president and dictator of Ecuador for several years in the turbulent mid-nineteenth century. He is remembered primarily as a Catholic zealot who, in spite of his belief that Ecuador should be ruled by the church, managed to accomplish much during his tenure in office.

Francisco de Paula Santander was one of Liberator Simon Bolivar's best friends until they had to jointly rule the young nation of Gran Colombia. The two men became political foes, to the point where many suspect Santander was behind an attempt on Bolivar's life in 1828.

Alberto Fujimori, President of Peru from 1990-2000, is something of an enigma. Is he the one who controlled Peru's runaway economy, ending inflation and providing economic security for millions? Or is he the one who oversaw unheard-of levels of corruption that saw $600 million in skimmed funds over ten years? The answers are not easy to find.

A Biography of Simón Bolívar