Evaluate the political and military contributions of either Bolivar or San Martin to the process of independence.

Candidates will make an appraisal of the political and military roles of one of the two leaders by weighing up the strengths and limitations of their contributions to the independence of South America. For Bolivar, candidates may discuss the impact of his military campaigns in Nueva Granada, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru, his success in attracting support from the British as well as many caudillos, his support for Pan-Americanism and his tendency toward authoritarianism. For San Martin, focus may be given to his military leadership of the Army of the Andes along with the formation of the mounted grenadier army and his inclusion of gauchos in his army. An assessment of his role as “protector” of Peru may be discussed as well as the controversy of his short-lived time in office.