“Hacer la América”: la fortuna del general Félix María Calleja

Abstract

The case of Gen. Félix María Calleja y del Rey allows us to focus attention on a subject that has received little attention in the historiography of Latin America: the fortunes amassed by peace-seeking/repressive military officials during the civil wars or wars of liberation waged at the start of the nineteenth century. Although these individuals generally defended the interests of the Spanish Crown against its enemies, it did not prevent them from seeking personal benefits. Their behavior in the Americas was akin to that of true conquerors on a quest for war spoils.