Figure of the cacique, the caudillo figure: the language of the nation-building in Spain and Argentina, 1808-1930

The disintegration of the Hispanic monarchy beginning in 1808 created a void of authority in its former territories, allowing local notables to take possession of power. The support of networks of notables was fundamental for the construction of nation-states, as the historical experience of Spain & Argentina shows. These powerful figures were called caciques in Spain & caudillos in Argentina, two terms that underwent an evolution that reflected the changing historical context: as the states gradually consolidated, the words caciques & caudillos were used to denounce illegitimate forms of power that prevented the modernization of the two nations. Adapted from the source document.