José Miguel Carrera Verdugo (October 15, 1785 – September 4, 1821) is a Chilean general, member of the prominent Carrera family, and considered one of the founders of independent Chile.

Of Basque descent, Carrera is the most important leader of the Chilean War of Independence during the period of the Patria Vieja ("Old Republic").

After the Spanish Reconquista ("Reconquest"), he continues campaigning from exile.

His opposition to the leaders of independent Argentina and Chile San Martin and O'Higgins respectively cause him to live in exile in Montevideo.

From Montevido, Carrera travels to Argentina where he joins the struggle against the unitarians.

Carreras small army is eventually left isolated in the Province of Buenos Aires from the other federalist forces.

In this difficult situation, Carrera decides to cross to native-controlled lands all the way to Chile to once for all overthrow Chilean Supreme Director O'Higgins.

Instead of traveling to Chile, as is his ultimate goal, he engages indigenous tribes, among them the Ranquels, in pillaging the southern provinces of Argentina.

After the downfall of Carrera’s ally, the Republic of Entre Ríos, and several victories against the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata, Carrera is finally defeated, captured and executed in Mendoza.