Atlantic Revolutions Who's Who

Maximilien Robespierre

Radical leader and one of the main figures of the French Revolution. In 1793 he came to dominate the Committee of Public Safety, the main body of the Revolutionary government. He oversaw the Reign of Terror, but in 1794 he was overthrown and executed.

Napoleon Bonaparte

French military and political leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and led several successful campaigns during the Revolutionary Wars. He was the de facto leader of the French Republic as First Consul from 1799 to 1804.

Toussaint L'Ouverture

A Haitian general and the most prominent leader of the Haitian Revolution. During his life, he first fought against the French, then for them, and then finally against France again for the cause of Haitian independence.

Jean-Jacques Dessalines

He was a leader of the Haitian Revolution and the first ruler of an independent Haiti under the 1805 constitution. Under Dessalines, Haiti became the first country to permanently abolish slavery.

Simón Bolívar

Also known as "El Libertador" (Liberator of America), he was a Venezuelan military and political leader who led what are currently the countries of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Bolivia to independence from the Spanish Empire.

José de San Martín

An Argentine general, he helped lead the revolutions against Spanish rule in Argentina, Chile, and Peru. He is regarded as one of the Liberators of Spanish South America and is a national hero of Argentina.

Father Hidalgo

A Criollo/creole Catholic priest, and leader of the Mexican War of Independence. He is recognized as the Father of the Nation.