Los generales políticos en Europa y América (1810-1870)

The figure of the "espadón", the soldier who intervenes in politics, was not a uniquely Spanish phenomenon as has been thought so many times. After the Napoleonic experience, from the first decades of the 19th century, both in Europe and in America, the mythical image of the heroic general was forged, always on horseback, strong, exemplary, selfless, guardian of the honor and glory of the nation, defender of freedom, but also of authority and order. Qualities that made certain generals charismatic, messianic leaders, both in war and in peace. Condition that encouraged them not to be left out of political life and to intervene in it at delicate moments: sometimes, called by civilians dazzled by the charisma of these "centaurs" or "broad swords" who saw in them the leader capable of bringing out the country of its problems and put an end to internal or external threats; others, on their own initiative, either through democratic or not-so-democratic means. "Political Generals in Europe and America" ??studies this phenomenon of "charismatic centaurs", mainly through a series of military men who shaped the history of the 19th century on both sides of the Atlantic: from Garibaldi, Bernadotte and Saldanha, to Grant, Bolívar, Iturbide and Estanislao López, passing through the Spaniards Riego, Espartero and Prim. All forged in the shadow of Napoleon; all as precedents of other military that marked the passage of the History of the 20th century and who knows if the 21st century.