Caudillos

/kɔːˈdiːjoʊz/ noun

Definition

Plural of caudillo; multiple military or political leaders who rule through personal authority and command.

Etymology

Plural form of the Spanish 'caudillo'. The word maintains its Spanish morphology in English historical and political texts when discussing the leaders of the caudillo era.

Kelly Says

When historians write about Latin America's chaotic 19th century, they're often describing the era of the caudillos—powerful military figures who competed for control and left legacies that still affect national politics today.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Plural of caudillo; perpetuates masculine framing. The term historically excluded women leaders, and even modern histories use 'caudillos' generically despite female participants in these systems.

Inclusive Usage

When using 'caudillos' historically, clarify whether you mean specific male leaders or the system broadly. For broader reference, consider 'caudillo-era leaders' or 'authoritarian rulers.'

Inclusive Alternatives

["authoritarian leaders","strongmen and strongwomen","personalist rulers"]

Empowerment Note

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, though a nun, navigated and critiqued caudillo-era patriarchy through intellectual leadership—an influence excluded from 'caudillos' terminology.

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