Simon Bolivar – liberator of South America

Simon Bolivar was the most influential and well-known leader of the war of the Spanish colonies in America, Venezuela’s national hero. He liberated Venezuela, New Granada (present-day Colombia and Panama), Royal Audiencia of Quito (now Ecuador) from Spanish rule. In 1819-1830 he was a president of Gran Colombia. In 1824 he freed Peru and became the head of Upper Peru (modern day Bolivia, named in his honor). He is known as Liberator.
Simon Jose Antonio de la Santisima Trinidad Bolivar de la Concepcion y Ponte Palacios y Blanco was born on July 24, 1783 in Caracas. He was the son of Juan Vicente Bolivar and Marfa de la Concepcion Palacios y Blanco, one of the most distinguished Creole (American-born Spanish) families in the city of 20,000 inhabitants.
In 1799 Simon was sent to Spain where he studied law. Then he traveled to Italy, Switzerland, Germany, England and France.
In in May 1802 he married in Madrid and eight months later his wife died.

In 1805 Bolivar visited the United States and planned liberation of South America from Spanish rule.
Bolivar took an active part in the overthrow of Spanish rule in Venezuela. He fought many battles to free countries in South America, including his native Venezuela.
At the height of his power, between 1825 and 1828, Bolivar ruled Gran Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. He wanted the new countries to be allies, but they started fighting among themselves. Venezuela broke away from Gran Colombia in 1829, and Ecuador left in 1830.
Simon Bolivar died on December 17, 1830 in Santa Marta, Colombia.

Bolivar – El Libertador

Interesting facts
– Bolivar is Venezuela’s national currency.
– In the 1830s fashionable wide-brimmed hat was called Bolivar.
– In 1825, the territory of Upper Peru was called Bolivia in honor of Simon Bolivar.
– The most titled football club of Bolivia is also called Bolivar.
– An asteroid (712) Boliviano opened on March 19, 1911 was named in honor of Simon Bolivar.
– According to unofficial sources, Bolivar won 472 battles.