File number: chdd0014

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Chile:  Bernardo 0'Higgins (1778-1842) is one of Chile's greatest heroes. The illegitmate son of an Irish colonial official, he rose through the ranks during the independence wars to replace José Miguel Carrera as the revolutionary leader. He and the Argentinian General José de San Martín defeated the Spaniards at Chacabuco in 1817. Chile became an independent country and O'Higgins was the first ruler, but was deposed in 1823 and exiled to Peru, where he remained until his death.