One of the most central of Jose de San Martin’s ideals was achieving independence for the South American countries. He had seen firsthand the oppressive Spanish rule, and he was convinced that the people of South America deserved to be free.
2. Unity and Cooperation among South American Countries
Another important ideal for San Martin was unity among the different countries of South America. He knew that the Spanish colonialists had weakened the region by playing one country against the other and by promoting divisions and conflicts between the different nations. To truly secure their independence and protect themselves against future threats, San Martin was convinced that the newly-created South American nations had to cooperate and work together. He promoted the ideals of Pan-Americanism and of a united South America, and this belief was one of the guiding forces of his political and military actions.
3. Liberal and Democratic Principles
San Martin was a firm believer in the principles of liberalism and democracy. He wanted the new South American countries that were gaining their independence to be characterized by these ideals, which aimed to protect the individual rights and freedoms of the citizens. He worked actively for the establishment of constitutional republics in the countries that he led to freedom, such as Argentina and Chile.
4. Social and Economic Justice
San Martin also strongly advocated and put into practice ideals of social and economic justice. He pushed for the abolition of slavery and the improvement of the conditions for the indigenous communities and other marginalized groups. San Martin believed in the importance of establishing an egalitarian society where all individuals had equal rights and opportunities.
He was a progressive thinker and a military leader, and his ideals have continued to inspire the people of South America to this day.