JUAN MARTINEZ DE

ROZAS (1759-1813)  , the earliest leader in the Chilean struggle for independence, was born at Mendoza in 1759 . In early life he was a professor of law, and of theology and philosophy at Santiago . He held the post of acting governor of Concepcion at one time, and was also colonel in a militia regiment . In 1808 he became secretary to the last Spanish governor, Francisco Antonio Carrasco, and used his position to prepare the nationalist movement that began in 1809 . After resigning his position as secretary, Rozas was mainly responsible for the resignation of the Spanish governor, and the formation of a national Junta on the 18th of September 181o, of which he was the real leader . Under his influence many reforms were initiated, freedom of trade was established, an army was organized and a national congress was called together in July 1811 . But at the end of that year divisions began to arise between Rozas' followers from Concepcion and the men of Santiago; and a feud broke out between Rozas and Jose Miguel Carrera (q.v.) who had secured control of Santiago . In 1812 Carrera succeeded in securing the banishment of his rival, who retired to Mendoza, where he died on the 3rd of March 1813 . See P . B . Figueroa, Diccionario biogrdfaco de Chile, 1550—1887 (Santiago, 1888), and J . B .

Suarez, Rasgos biogrdficos de hombres notables de Chile (Valparaiso, 1886); both giving biographical sketches of prominent characters in Chilean history .