The invention provides a high performance circuit breaker with an independent pole operation linkage and conical composite bushings. A mechanical linkage for independently opening and closing a plurality of associated switches is provided by the invention. The linkage comprises a plurality of connecting rods that provide the initial driving force to open or close the switch, cranks for opening and closing the contacts of respective switches, linking elements which couple together the connecting rods and the cranks, and a number of lever assemblies having a bearing ring interfaced thereto. The bearing rings provide a supportive interface between two linking element but permit the linking elements to rotate independently from one another. The lever assemblies also provide an interface for the connecting rods and linking element. According to a method of the present invention, a connecting rod is actuated in response to a signal to cause the lever assembly to pivot. The linking rod interfaced with the connecting rod via the lever assembly is then rotated in response to the pivoting. A crank interfaced with the linking element is then pivoted in response to the rotation of the linking element thereby opening or closing a respective switch. The invention further provide a means and method for synchronously opening and closing the switches based on the current flowing into the switches. Preferably, conical composite bushings are provided in combination with the independent pole operation linkage in a high voltage circuit breaker according to the invention.