José de San Martín
On August 17, 2025, we commemorated the 175th anniversary of the death of General José de San Martín, a great figure in the history of independence in Latin America and especially Argentina. Known as the "Liberator," San Martín not only marked a before and after in the struggle for the liberation of South American peoples but also left a legacy of values, strategy, and commitment that resonates to this day.
Born on February 25, 1778, in Yapeyú, what is now the province of Corrientes, Argentina, José de San Martín dedicated his life to the cause of freedom. After training militarily in Spain and participating in battles against Napoleonic forces, he returned to his homeland in 1812 with the aim of liberating America from Spanish colonial rule. His vision was not limited to a single country but encompassed a continental project, seeking the unity and independence of South American peoples.
San Martín is renowned for leading the liberation campaign that resulted in the independence of Argentina, Chile, and Peru. His most notable feat was the crossing of the Andes in 1817, a logistical and strategic accomplishment that enabled the liberation of Chile and laid the groundwork to advance toward the heart of Spanish dominion in South America. This episode, considered one of the greatest military achievements in history, reflects his capacity for planning, leadership, and sacrifice.
On August 17, 1850, in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, José de San Martín passed away at the age of 72, far from the land he liberated. His voluntary exile in Europe, after renouncing power in Peru, represented his disinterest in personal glory and his refusal to get involved in the internal struggles that followed the wars of independence. He lived his last years modestly, accompanied by his daughter Mercedes and his granddaughters, leaving behind a life marked by honor and coherence with his ideals.
In Argentina, his death is remembered as the "step to immortality," an expression that reflects the eternal impact of his work. 175 years after that day, his figure remains a symbol of unity, sacrifice, and patriotism, not only in Argentina but around the world, with more than 60 statues in his honor in countries such as the United States, Germany, England, Brazil, among many others.
On the 175th anniversary of José de San Martín's death, artificial intelligence (AI) redefines his immortality by reviving the Liberator in digital formats such as videos, conversational simulations, and algorithm-generated podcasts, allowing new generations to interact with his legacy of independence in Argentina, Chile, and Peru; however, these recreations, ranging from virtual "interviews" to avatars that rejuvenate his image, raise ethical debates about historical fidelity and the use of the "voice" of a national hero, while educational projects and publications on platforms like X show how AI transforms collective memory into an interactive and living experience.
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