Simón Bolívar, often referred to as "El Libertador" (The Liberator), was a Venezuelan military and political leader who played a pivotal role in the establishment of South America's independence from the Spanish Empire. Born on July 24, 1783, in Caracas, Venezuela, Bolívar was the scion of one of the wealthiest families in the region, which allowed him to receive an extensive education both in Europe and Latin America.
Simón Bolívar was born into a family of Spanish descent in Venezuela. His parents died when he was young, and he was subsequently raised by his uncle, Carlos Palacios. He studied in Spain, where he was influenced by Enlightenment ideas and met Simón Rodríguez, who would become his mentor. His travels also took him to France, where he was inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution.
Bolívar returned to Venezuela in 1802, and after witnessing the political instability and the increasing calls for independence, he became involved in the revolutionary movements. In 1810, he participated in the Caracas Junta, which declared independence from Spain. Over the next decade, Bolívar led numerous military campaigns:
Bolívar envisioned a unified Gran Colombia, which would include modern-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and parts of Peru and Panama. However, internal conflicts and regionalism led to the dissolution of this union by 1830. His political philosophy was influenced by Jean-Jacques Rousseau and other Enlightenment thinkers, advocating for a form of republicanism suited to the Latin American context.
Despite his military successes, Bolívar's later years were marked by political disillusionment and health issues. He died on December 17, 1830, in Santa Marta, Colombia, at the age of 47. His legacy is immense, with many countries in Latin America honoring him with monuments, naming cities, streets, and institutions after him.