ABSTRACT
The breakdown of the Spanish empire resulted in civil wars, instability and caudillismo (the rule of a strong man, a leader) in most Latin American regions. Men disputed their claims to authority and merits to rule through plots and coups, but also through spoken and printed discursos (speeches) in the new arena of public opinion. These confrontations contributed much to changing traditional ideas of authority and rule and to bringing about an individualistic notion of power that was unquestionably masculine. While the idea that men should dominate and that those with notorious virtues deserved more power prevailed, what it meant to be a ‘man’ at this time of change and revolution was uncertain. In this chapter, I will analyse some of these discursos (eulogies and manifestos), where rivals questioned their respective talents and flaws, while listing their newly conceived-of values: strength, courage, daring, skills and readiness to sacrifice for a cause. As will be shown here, Latin America offers a unique and fascinating case study to explore the intersections of gender and politics, as new forms of rule rose along new gender roles.
