They were largely local-born men of European descent (criollos), in most cases part of the bourgeoisie and with military training in the motherland, who were influenced by liberalism and led colonial subjects in their struggle for independence against the metropole.
<ref>page 429 Robert Harvey. Liberators: Latin America's Struggle for Independence. Woodstock, The Overlook Press, 2000. Template:ISBN</ref><ref>Pigna, pp. 93–133</ref>
<ref name="Harvey in general">Robert Harvey. Liberators: Latin America's Struggle for Independence. Woodstock, The Overlook Press, 2000. Template:ISBN</ref>
Pedro I of Brazil became known as "o Libertador" ("the Liberator") in Brazil for his role in the country's independence.<ref>Viana, Hélio (1994). História do Brasil: período colonial, monarquia e república (in Portuguese) p.252</ref> Sporadically, the term has also been applied to other figures such as José Bonifacio (known as the "patriarch for independence"), Maria Leopoldina de Austria, and Joaquim Gonçalves Ledo.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
The flags of Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador follow Francisco de Miranda's design of 1806. Also, Bolivia was named after Símon Bolívar, who in turn was president of Colombia, Peru, Bolivia and twice of Venezuela. San Martín served as "President Protector" of Peru.
In what today is part of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, Agustín de Iturbide, a military leader revolted against the Viceroyalty of New Spain, founded an independent Mexican Empire where he ascended as Emperor Agustín I.
The names of libertadores are used all over South America to name anything from towns and places to institutions and sports clubs. Also, the most prestigious international club football competition in South America is named the Copa Libertadores in their honour.
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