“I pity and I forgive” – Simón Bolívar
Throughout the 1700s, Spain spread their monarchy throughout Central and South America and with mercantilism Spain became a global empire. However, the French and American Revolutions caused a change in ideology for many South American countries. Simon Bolivar would change the course of history for South America.
Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar Palacios Ponte y Blanco was born on July 24, 1783, in Caracas Venezuela. Simon Bolivar was the son of a Venezuelan aristocrat and as a result of his wealth he received a European education. His life would take a drastic turn after being influenced by European rationalism. Simon Bolivar was also greatly inspired by the French and American Revolutions.
Taking these new ideals, Simon Bolivar started his military campaign by joining a Venezuelan Independence movement. Simon Bolivar became a prominent political and military leader in the Venezuelan Independence movement. In 1810, Simon Bolivar would get his wish; the revolutionaries would fight and expel the governor at the time, declaring independence in 1810. However, the Spanish discovered what happened to the governor, leading them to send a counterattack on the revolutionaries. Leading to the dissolution of the young republic and Simon Bolivar’s exile.
This only fueled the passion that Simon Bolivar held. Simon Bolivar would launch another campaign while he was exiled in 1819. As a result of his charisma and leadership abilities, he was able to convince 2,500 men to undergo a dangerous attack on the new granada. Simon Bolivar would take these men through routes that were deemed impassable during the time. As a result of Simon Bolivar’s daring attack, he was able to catch the Spanish off guard. He liberated Ecuador in 1822, with the help of Antonio sucre.
After the liberation of Ecuador, Simon Bolivar set his sights on liberating the rest of South America. Jose de San Martin would be another revolutionary that helped liberate South America as well. Jose de San Martin would start the liberation of Peru, however he was unable to finish liberating Peru. Luckily for Jose de San Martin he met Simon Bolivar, both Jose and Simon would share the same ideals to liberate South America from European domination. In 1824 Simon Bolivar would finish what Jose de San Martin started, liberating Peru. Because of his accomplishments, he would earn the nickname “El Libertador.”
Simon Bolivar became President of modern day Peru and Colombia in 1823. Simon Bolivar created the League of Hispanic American states in 1826. He envisioned a day in which all of South America would be united. Unfortunately, many of these states would have conflict with each other. Ultimately he decided to exile himself to Europe, unfortunately dying on the trip there.
Simon Bolivar, American Military Leader
1783 – 1830
