Simon Bolivar went down in history as... Simon Bolivar, biography of the liberator. Collapse of the Colombian Federation

The national hero of Venezuela, General Simón Bolívar, was born on July 24, 1783 in Caracas (Venezuela) into a very wealthy Creole family. His full name, indicating the noble family of his parents, is Simon José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar y Palacios. He had three older brothers and a sister, but she died shortly after birth.

After the defeat of the republic by Spanish troops in 1812, Bolivar settled in New Granada (now Colombia), and at the beginning of 1813, the rebel army he led entered the territory of Venezuela. In August 1813, his troops occupied the capital of Caracas and soon the Second Venezuelan Republic was created, led by Bolivar. The National Congress of Venezuela awarded Simon Bolivar the honorary title "Liberator".
However, the following year the rebels were defeated by the troops of General Boves in the battle of La Puerte. The leader of the Republicans again had to flee abroad with several of his like-minded people. He was forced to seek refuge in Jamaica, then in Haiti.

Thanks to his organizational talent, Bolivar quickly assembled a new army and even assembled a fleet under the command of the wealthy Dutch merchant Brion, who supplied him with money and his ships. On March 2, 1816, Brion defeated the Spanish fleet, and the next day Bolivar landed on the island of Margarita. The National Assembly proclaimed Venezuela a republic "one and indivisible" and elected Bolívar as its president on March 7, 1816.
The abolition of slavery (1816) and the decree on allocating land to the soldiers of the liberation army (1817) helped Bolivar gain the support of the broad masses.

In May 1817, Bolivar, with the help of Brion, captured Angostura (now Ciudad Bolivar) and raised all of Guiana against Spain. Following successful actions in Venezuela, his troops liberated New Granada in 1819. In December 1819, he was elected president of the Republic of Colombia proclaimed by the National Congress in Angostura, which included Venezuela and New Granada. In 1822, the Colombians expelled Spanish forces from the province of Quito (now Ecuador), which had annexed Colombia. In July 1822, Bolivar met in Guayaquil with Jose de San Martin, whose army had already liberated part of Peru, but was unable to agree with him on joint action. After the resignation of San Martin (September 20, 1822), he sent Colombian units to Peru in 1823, and in 1824 (August 6 at Junin and December 9 on the Ayacucho plain) the last Spanish forces on the American continent were defeated. Bolivar, who became the dictator of Peru in February 1824, also headed the Republic of Bolivia, created in 1825 on the territory of Upper Peru, named after him.

After the end of the war, Bolivar began organizing the internal government of the state. On May 25, 1826, he presented his Bolivian Code to the Congress in Lima. According to Bolivar's plan, the Southern United States was formed, which was to include Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, La Plata and Chile. On June 22, 1826, Bolivar convened the Continental Congress in Panama from representatives of all these states.
After the unification project became widely known, its author began to be accused of wanting to create an empire under his own rule, where he would play the role of Napoleon.
Shortly after the Panama Congress, Gran Colombia disintegrated. In 1827-1828, Bolivar's power was overthrown in Peru and Bolivia, and in the next two years Venezuela and Ecuador separated from Colombia. A strong blow for Bolivar was the murder of his faithful comrade-in-arms, General Antonio de Sucre, in whom he saw his worthy successor. In January 1830, Simon Bolivar resigned, a few months later he briefly resumed the presidency, and on April 27, 1830, he finally retired from political activity. Bolivar headed to Cartagena with the intention of emigrating to Jamaica or Europe.

Bolivar died near Santa Marti (Colombia) on December 17, 1830, presumably from tuberculosis.

The personality cult of Simon Bolivar began in Venezuela in 1842. His comrade-in-arms, Venezuelan President General Jose Antonio Paez, who once betrayed the Liberator, realized the importance of glorifying the past. Bolivar's remains were transported from Colombia, where he died, to his native Caracas and buried in the cathedral, which in 1876 was transformed into the National Pantheon of Venezuela. In 2010, the remains of the Latin American liberator were ordered by head of state Hugo Chavez to check whether he had died of illness or was the victim of a conspiracy. It was announced that more than 50 criminologists and forensic experts will study the remains of the hero-liberator to establish the true causes of his death. As a result, experts were able to establish Bolivar’s identity by conducting several complex examinations with DNA samples from his deceased relatives, but

The name of Simon Bolivar is given to the state of Bolivia, of which he was the first president; state of Bolivar, city of Ciudad Bolivar and Peak Bolivar (5007 m) in Venezuela; also the Venezuelan currency is the bolivar; two cities and a department in Colombia, two cities in Peru, a strait between the islands of Fernandina and Isabela (Galapagos archipelago).

On October 15, 2010, a ceremony for Simon Bolivar took place in Moscow.
In 1989, the legendary Colombian writer Gabriel Marquez’s novel “The General in His Labyrinth” was published, in which the author tried to recreate the image of Simon Bolivar and answer a number of questions that determined the life and fate of the “Liberator”.

The material was prepared based on information from RIA Novosti and open sources

(Bolivar, 1783 - 1830) - hero of the wars of independence with Spain in the countries of South America (Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia are named after him); founder of Pan-Americanism, planned the creation of Gran Colombia.

Inspired by the views of European rationalists, Simon Bolivar vowed to free America from Spanish rule. Beginning in 1812, Bolivar took part in the Republican uprisings, and in 1819, having won a decisive victory at Boyaca, he secured the independence of New Granada (Colombia) from Spain. Two years later, he defeated the Spanish royalists at the Battle of Carabobo (June 1821), which brought independence to Venezuela.

Simon Bolivar then led his army into Ecuador and drove the Spanish out of Quito. In 1822, in Guayaquil, he met José San Martín. The leaders of the national liberation movement on the future of South America differed, and as a result, San Martin resigned from command of the troops; Already under the command of Bolivar, the Republican army expelled the Spaniards from Peru (1824), the last stronghold of colonialism on the continent. Bolivar agreed to become president of the Gran Colombia confederation (Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Panama), but, unable to prevent the collapse of the confederation into three independent states in April 1830, he resigned.

Simon Bolivar (Bolivar) - liberator of South America from Spanish rule, was born on July 24, 1783 in Caracas, into a rich and noble Creole family, died on December 17, 1830 near Santa Marta (Colombia). In his youth, Bolivar studied law in Madrid, joined the Masonic order, traveled to Europe and (1809) the United States, where he became acquainted with the free institutions of the country and their beneficial influence, and where he became determined to become, following the example of Washington, the liberator of his homeland.

Portrait of Simon Bolivar. Artist A. Michelena, 1895

Returning to Venezuela and taking part in the uprising in Caracas (1810), two years later Bolivar joined the ranks of the insurgents in New Granada (Colombia). Soon he became the soul of the entire liberation movement. Having established the death penalty by the edict of 1813 for any Spaniard devoted to royalism, Bolivar, after several successful skirmishes, on August 4, 1813, entered Caracas with his troops, where the national assembly convened in 1814 confirmed his dictatorial powers. But in June of the same year, Bolivar’s army was defeated near La Puerta by a supporter of the Spanish government, Boves. He took Caracas and again defeated the Republicans near Arguita, after which Bolivar sailed to Colombian Cartagena. He then received command of the troops of the “allied provinces of New Granada,” occupied Bogota and liberated the province of Cundinamarca.

Simon Bolivar. Feature Film

Internal strife prevented Bolivar's further successes; After the arrival of the Spanish General Morillo in March 1815, he sailed to Jamaica, and then to Haiti, where he gathered the fleeing insurgents and in December 1816 arrived at the island of Margaret off the Venezuelan coast. Having gathered here, as the head of the Republic of Venezuela, a congress, Bolivar abolished slavery, and in the next two years, together with Paez and Santander, he won a series of victories over Morillo. In 1819, at the Congress of Angostura, he was elected president of the Republic of Colombia, which included Venezuela, New Granada and Ecuador.

Having then crossed the almost impassable Cordillera with an army and defeated the Spaniards at Bochica and Calaboso, Bolivar liberated all of New Granada and in 1823-24, after the victory at Junin and the victory of General Sucre near Ayacucho, he completed the liberation of Upper and Lower Peru, which formed the state of Bolivia and in 1825, who also elected Bolivar dictator. Re-elected president in 1826 and 1828, Bolivar's series of reactionary measures - an attempt to arrange his election as president for life in Peru, an anti-republican constitution (Code Boliviano) in Bolivia, measures against the press and the restoration of convent schools in Colombia aroused accusations of monarchical aspirations and a desire to play role of Napoleon. Then Bolivar hurried to Colombia, abolished the constitution and, with the help of terror, began to prepare the transformation of the republic into a monarchy, while seeking the support of England and France.

This caused a rebellion in Caracas a year later (November 25, 1829), which was joined by all of Venezuela with Paez at its head. In January 1830, the national congress in Bogota accepted Bolivar's resignation. His attempt to regain power was ended by death. In 1832, Bolivar's ashes were solemnly transferred to Caracas, where a triumphal arch was erected in memory of the liberator of South America.

So much has been written about no other Latin American hero.
Unless about Che Guevara.

But both Che and Bolivar are still being debated.
Historians, politicians, ordinary citizens - everyone recognizes their greatness, but everyone sees it in their own way.
Probably, there is also a “cult” of Bolivar - after all, in terms of the number of monuments, few can compare with him; there are them in almost every country in Latin America. But more important than the monuments are his deeds.

Recently, Hugo Chavez, the President of Venezuela, opened the Simon Bolivar Center in Moscow.
And not only because Bolivar is Venezuelan. The fact is that Simon Bolivar is not only an idol, a legend, but also a teacher for many Latin American politicians and revolutionaries.

Some in Bolivar's legacy draw attention (some with joy, some with anger) to his words about the need for a strong hand and dictatorship in countries just joining democracy and civilization.
For others, the main thing was his words about justice and equality of all citizens of a free country, regardless of their wealth or titles.

“The new princes who in their perseverance will erect thrones over the ruins of freedom will see them turned into their tombstones, telling future generations that these people preferred empty vanity to freedom and glory.”

Simon Bolivar

When reading documents - speeches, decrees, addresses of Simon Bolivar, do not forget when they were written and when you live and read them. But remember what other politicians you knew of that time wrote and said. For example, the rulers of Russia. Or the Decembrists.

The world has, of course, changed. The world has moved forward. But largely thanks to people like the Liberators of Latin America, one of whom was Bolivar.

SIMON BOLIVAR was born on July 24, 1783 in Caracas, the capital of the Captaincy General of Venezuela, into a noble Creole family of Basque origin (they were called “gran cocoa” by their skin color and wealth), whose ancestors came to America in the 12th century. His father was one of the richest people in the country and the inheritance was later useful to Simon when creating a liberation army.
He lost his parents early, lost his sister, and at the very beginning of the war for independence, his brother.

Simon never attended school or university, but his two teachers - Simon Rodriguez and Andres Bello (and, of course, books - his favorite was "The Social Contract" by Jean Jacques Rousseau) gave him knowledge, which Simon Bolivar multiplied during his travels around Europe, meeting outstanding people and witnessing important events.

He studied law in Madrid, in Paris he saw the last days of the Great French Revolution, and in London he met his compatriot Francisco de Miranda - in the recent past, a colonel in the Spanish army, a participant in the Great French Revolution, who fought for the independence of the United States and traveled a lot (including in Russia).

In 1801, in Madrid, Bolivar got married and was about to return to Caracas to take care of his household, but his wife (just a year after their marriage) died of yellow fever, and Bolivar remained for several more years in Europe.

In 1805, Bolivar, together with his teacher and mentor Simon Rodriguez (one of the outstanding Latin American scientists, teachers and educators), traveled around Italy.

“I swear by my ancestors, I swear by their God, I swear by my honor, I swear by my homeland that I will not give rest to my hands, I will not give peace to my soul, until the chains that hold us under the yoke of Spanish rule fall.”

In 1808, after Napoleon’s invasion of Spain and the arrest of King Ferdinand, a situation was created for the colonies that can be compared to dual power: there is a new king, Bonaparte’s protege, and there is the old king, but displaced.

Venezuelan Creoles create a Patriotic Junta to protect the rights and interests of the now “former” King Ferdinand, but soon transform it into an independent government. Simon Bolivar and his brother become ambassadors of the new government - Simon in London, his brother in the USA, looking for allies, supporters and weapons. It is in London that Simon Boltvar meets his compatriot, Francisco de Miranda, who has both political connections and military experience and invites Miranda to return to his homeland.

The Spanish government (already new) is trying to restore its influence in the colonies and then, with the active participation of Bolivar and Miranda, who led the patriots, the Venezuelan Congress in 1810 announces separation from Spain and the establishment of a republic. Miranda heads the leadership of the country and the army.

However, the first Venezuelan republic would not last long.

The Spanish army is more powerful and more professional than the detachments of young revolutionaries and deals with the rebels and those who sympathize with them. The revolution is suppressed. Bolivar ends up in exile, and Miranda ends up in a Spanish prison, where he will die in a few years.
Moreover, Miranda falls into the hands of the Spaniards largely thanks to Bolivar. Historians interpret this episode in the biography of Simon Bolivar in different ways (more about this in the biography of Francisco de Miranda).

After the defeat of the Venezuelan army by Spanish troops (if, of course, it can be called an army, they were rather rebel troops), Bolivar settled in New Granada (now Colombia) in 1812, but in 1813 he returned to his homeland again at the head of an armed detachment of volunteers .

In May 1813, Bolivar organized an “invasion” of Venezuela and his detachment (initially numbering about 500 people) by August fought to the capital - Caracas - and occupied it! The 2nd Venezuelan Republic is created. The Venezuelan Congress proclaims Bolivar the Liberator.
However, Bolivar’s forces are small, and he is opposed by detachments of landowners - “llaneros” and a ten-thousandth corps of soldiers who arrived from Spain. They restore “order” in the country - they kill those who resist, rob and burn the houses of those who supported the rebels. Having lost about one and a half thousand supporters, Bolivar suffers another defeat and is forced to flee to the island of Jamaica. He will write about how the military operations took place, how cruelly and treacherously the Spaniards behaved, in his “Address to the Nations of the World.”

The entire continent, with the exception of a few provinces of Argentina, is again under Spanish rule.

From Jamaica, Bolivar moved to Haiti in 1814, where Alexandre Pétion (a mulatto who served in the French army, who joined the rebel slaves in Haiti in 1802 and became president of the independent Republic of Haiti in 1807) supported him in exchange for a promise to grant freedom to slaves in liberated Venezuela.

Bolivar is trying to organize a liberation army, to unite the leaders of different groups, each of whom is ready to consider himself the most important. Convincing someone, promising something to someone, punishing someone with an iron fist (this happened with the mulatto General Piar, who tried to remove Bolivar from power and was shot by a military tribunal). In addition to uniting his own “local” forces, Bolivar also creates a corps of volunteers from Europeans - the British, Irish, French, Germans and even Russians.
Patriotism is wonderful, but professionals must fight a professional army.

In 1816, Bolivar again landed on the continent.

He issues a decree abolishing slavery and this contributes to the fact that popular support during his new landing in Venezuela is much higher than before. He truly brings liberation - and not only to the country, but also to many ordinary people. Later, he would issue decrees on the confiscation of the property of the Spanish crown and royalists, on the allocation of land to the soldiers of the liberation army. And he will announce that he will not mess around with his enemies. The war of liberation is a war. And if the enemy commits atrocities, then there will be no mercy for him.

Bolivar captures the Angostura region, then marches through the Andes Mountains to Bogota (Colombia) and captures it, then returns to Venezuela.
It’s easy to say “captures” and “returns” - through mountains, jungles, and in the army there are no cars or planes - only cavalry and infantry, and artillery pieces. Even for a tourist, such a transition is not so easy. And here there is war - constant skirmishes and battles with the enemy.

Meanwhile, a bourgeois revolution is taking place in Spain. Bolivar concludes a truce with the commander of the Spanish troops, General Morillo, and Morillo will soon be recalled to Spain. And then Bolivar liberates Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. Then his troops liberate New Granada.

In February 1919, in the city of Angostura, the capital of the provinces liberated from Spanish rule, the National Congress, convened on the initiative of the Bolivar, opened. The independence of Venezuela is proclaimed again (now finally). Bolivar gives a speech in which he outlines his views on the structure of government, speaks about the difficulties that await peoples who have won freedom, and about the principles of separation of powers. In August, the Constitution proposed by Bolivar was adopted, and in December 1819 he was elected president of the Republic of Gran Colombia proclaimed by the National Congress, which included Venezuela and New Granada, and in 1822 Ecuador. Gran Colombia - becomes the largest state in Latin America, which existed until 1830.

However, the new country is still threatened by Spanish troops (about 20,000 soldiers) in neighboring Peru.
The Argentine-Chilean-Peruvian army under the command of General Jose de San Martin is fighting them. San Martin has already liberated Chile and is fighting in Peru, but his forces are small.

In July 1822, Bolívar met in Guayaquil with José de San Martín.

Much of what happened at this meeting remains shrouded in mystery, but one thing is clear: the great commanders cannot agree on joint action.

General San Martin has orders to liberate Peru. And he needs help.
Bolivar has an army, but there is no decision from the Gran Colombia Congress to help San Martin.
And even if two great men win freedom for the countries of the continent, they need to think about what will happen later, after the victory.

What will happen to a liberated Peru? Where will it go?
Will it become independent like Chile, which was just liberated by San Martin?
Or how will Ecuador become part of Gran Colombia, led by Bolivar?

The Chileans, freed by San Martin, proposed that San Martin become head of state. He refused and “recommended” his comrade-in-arms, General O’Higgins.
The Peruvians declared their independence and declared San Martin "protector" - Protector.
But who will lead the country after the final liberation? Bolivar or San Martin?
But all this comes later, after the victory, and now is the most difficult thing: who will command the troops?

However, after their completion, San Martin leaves Peru. Soldiers of Bolivar's army enter battle with the Spaniards and within a few years liberate the rest of the country. The last battles are brilliantly carried out by the young General Sucre, whose biography for historians will be written by Bolivar himself. Two new states are proclaimed - Bolivia and Peru.

The decisive Battle of Ayacucho on December 9, 1824, in which the Liberation Army under the command of General Sucre defeated the Spanish troops

Bolivar becomes not only the President of Gran Colombia, but also the Dictator of Peru (in 1824), and a year later he heads Bolivia.

Next, Bolivar tried to ensure stability and development and create a unified state. He convened an inter-Latin American congress of representatives of different states in Panama (1826), but Bolivar’s ideas about creating a strong, united Latin American state under a single leadership did not find support. His ideas and aspirations for managing the economy, developing education and building new schools, ensuring the rights of Indians, building relations with the church, reforming the judicial system, and nationalizing natural resources also caused grumbling. The local latifundists were alien to Bolivar's concern for the poor, of whom there were plenty in Latin America. The clergy did not like the ideas of banning the Inquisition and the separation of church and state. The slave owners did not like Bolivar's concern for the Indians and their rights.

Unity in the struggle for independence does not translate into unity after independence. Fighting for freedom from the Spanish is not the same as fighting for equality, justice and democracy.

Bolivar speaks of the need to introduce lifelong positions of president and vice president, and proposes the creation of a third chamber - “moral authority”. He is accused of monarchical aspirations and attempts to usurp power.
He is trying to rely on the church and conservatives, but this creates new complications with his former supporters.

An anti-Bolivarian conspiracy is brewing among a group of young officers. The conspirators are arrested and executed. But support for Bolivar is not growing.

Venezuela and Colombia withdraw from Gran Colombia, Peru declares war.
His closest ally, Marshal Sucre, is killed by unknown persons. Bandits or murderers sent by enemies cannot be identified.

Bolivar managed to win independence, and many were with him in this struggle. But after the victory... It was not possible to reconcile and unite the different interests of different groups.

Bolivar renounces power and is about to leave New Grenada, but becomes seriously ill. Shortly before his death, he writes his political “will” - who should become his successor.
He does not name his last name, he talks about what qualities the future head of state should have and what he should strive for.

A fatal disease (consumption) takes its toll and on December 17, 1830, Bolivar dies at the age of 47.

How relevant are the ideas and deeds of Simon Bolivar today?

Not only for Latin American countries, but also, for example, for Russia?

I must admit that for some reason the history of Gran Colombia makes me remember recent Russia - with the friendly struggle of a bunch of leaders of the union republics against the imperial-Soviet “center”. And then the governors’ dreams of independence from the Kremlin.
But don’t the “fresh” ideas about the “third term” and lifelong presidency, discussed by both politicians and political scientists, echo the thoughts of Bolivar himself about the need for a lifelong dictatorship of an enlightened ruler in a politically backward country? You can find out about this yourself from the “political testament” of Simon Bolivar.

And pay attention to the Liberator’s concern for enlightenment. It is uneducation and ignorance that awaken strife and squabbles, disrespect for rights and violence. This is what must be eliminated so that the country can reap the benefits of freedom. And freedom is what Simon Bolivar fought for.

And further. The speeches and articles of Simon Bolivar are interesting because they show the high culture and education of a politician who lived a century and a half ago. No vulgarisms, no verbiage - clear thoughts, vivid images and high feelings.

Was Hugo Chavez really hinting at something? Or was he just giving a hint? Or he simply believed that Simon Bolivar is a significant person for the whole world, and not just for Venezuela.

A few years before Bolivar’s death, the Moscow Telegraph magazine wrote:

“Many volumes would have to be written to describe all the efforts and campaigns made by Bolivar to kindle and maintain the courage of the Americans, all the various successes and failures of his enterprises, his victories and defeats, the obstacles of all kinds that he had to overcome, the dangers to which he was exposed. and always miraculously emerged from them unharmed. Incomprehensibly long journeys from the barren and hot shores of Cartagena to the borders of deserted, swampy and consumed by terrible heats of Guiana; from Guiana to New Granada, through the immeasurable and highest Cordillera that separates them; from Bogota to the borders of Venezuela, to the banks of the Orinoco; from the Orinoco far beyond the capital of Peru, through infectious puddles, steep rocks, among clouds of insects and inevitable reptiles, with soldiers who usually have neither bread, nor clothing, nor shoes, who do not admit that these transitions are much more memorable than victories and cannot be compared with battles won by the rules of ordinary tactics? Each of these feats is an amazing triumph; to dare to do these feats, to condemn himself for them, to go ahead of the new soldiers, born and raised in Colombia, to force them to follow him without a murmur and, having arrived at the place, with them to defeat the numerous Spanish army and force it all to surrender in that place, which she chose to defeat her enemy, are other miracles necessary to receive the title of hero?

Simon Bolivar is one of the brightest revolutionaries in world history. For residents of the New World, the name of the politician is a symbol of the liberation movement in the countries of Latin America, former colonies of Spain. Bolivar believed that slavery should be abolished, and the indigenous population should have equal rights to a decent life.

During his lifetime, Bolivar received the title “Liberator of America.” There are ups and downs in the life of a politician. Until his death he remained true to his ideas. His name is immortalized in the name of the country - Bolivia, a former Spanish colony of Upper Peru.

Childhood and youth

Bolivar was born on July 24, 1783 in Caracas. Full name: Simon José Antonio de la Santisima Trinidad Bolivar de la Concepción y Ponte Palacios y Blanco. Researchers of the politician's biography have established that the ancestors of the future revolutionary arrived in South America from the Basque country back in the 16th century. The settlers successfully integrated into the life of the Spanish colonies and soon began to take an active part in the life of the new settlements.

Thanks to his activity, Simon's grandfather acquired the title of viscount, which was never approved by the king of Spain. Simon's father, Juan Vincente Bolivar, strengthened the family's position. After their death, Simon's parents left plantations, factories, houses, slaves and jewelry to the young heir. If compared with the state of modern rich people, Bolivar could be on the list of dollar billionaires.

The orphan was raised by his uncle Carlos Palacios. The teacher for the main subjects was the philosopher Simon Rodriguez. He initiated young Simon into the ideas of the enlighteners of France and spoke in detail about republican ideals. After Rodriguez's escape, Simon is trained by the Governor General's secretary, Andres Bello. Thanks to his mentor, Simon meets the scientists Alexander Humboldt and Aimé Bonpland, who had a strong influence on the worldview of young Bolivar.

In 1799, the guardians decided to send the young man to Spain to study law. Bolivar is received by the royal family. He maintains communication with Prince Ferdinand, the future king of Spain, who will later become the politician's main enemy.

Four years later, in 1803, Simon moved to France. Here he studies courses at the Paris Polytechnic and Higher Normal School. His cousin Fanny actively associated with freethinkers. Bolivar also entered their circle, sharing with them common views on politics and the world order.

The future revolutionary came to the United States of America in 1805. The example of the liberation of the United States from British rule becomes a model for the revolutionaries of South America. Bolivar is among them. He is confirmed in his political views. The idea of ​​creating the United States of South America on the territory of Latin American countries becomes a priority for him.

Political activity

In 1810, Bolivar participates in a revolt with Francisco Miranda, which leads Venezuela to the declaration of independence a year later. The Spanish government is trying to return colonial lands. In 1812, the Venezuelan army was destroyed and Miranda was sent to prison. Bolivar escapes from the country and hides in the territory of New Grenada.

By 1813, Simon, together with the rebels, organized a new detachment, which managed to gain the upper hand over the Spanish army. Bolivar becomes the head of the Second Venezuelan Republic and receives the title of Liberator. But a year later, the Spaniards manage to knock Bolivar out of the main city of Venezuela - Caracas.

The politician appeals to the Haitian authorities and receives support. In 1816, Bolivar arrives in South America and begins reform. Abolishes slavery and announces the issuance of land to soldiers who took an active part in the Revolutionary War.

By 1818-1819, Simon Bolivar, with the support of an army of like-minded people, established control over most of Venezuela and New Grenada. At the very end of 1819, he was elected president of the Republic of Gran Colombia, which included the territories of modern Colombia and Venezuela.

By 1824, the Spaniards, under pressure from the Colombians, left the territories that are now Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. Bolivar becomes dictator of Peru and in 1825 heads the Republic of Bolivia he created. The politician remains faithful to the idea of ​​​​creating the United States of South America, which would include the territory from Panama to Chile.

Bolivar tried to promote it at a special congress, but faced opposition from the local elite. He is described as a supporter of the Bonapartist regime, and behind his back they call him Napoleon. A movement developed against the politician’s activities, as a result of which he lost power in Bolivia and Peru.

In 1828, Bolivar entered Bogota with an army, where he created the residence of the ruler of Colombia. In the same year, one of his associates organized an assassination attempt on him. Bolivar narrowly escapes death and suppresses the rebellion. Bolivar's struggle for power continues. The elite of Caracas advocates the separation of Venezuela from Colombia. The ruler loses influence and power in the country. In 1830 he resigned.

Personal life

At the age of 19, Simon, while in Madrid, meets the aristocrat Maria Teresa Rodriguez. She, like Bolivar, is of Creole descent. After the wedding, the young couple leaves for Venezuela. Here Simon's wife contracts yellow fever and dies. The event greatly shocked the young man, and he takes a vow of celibacy.

Changes in his personal life occurred in 1822, when Bolivar met his second life partner during the entry of troops into the Ecuadorian capital of Quito. As the column moves through streets full of people, a laurel wreath falls into Simon's hands. The revolutionary's gaze meets the black-haired girl standing on the balcony greeting the liberators.

That same evening, Simon and Manuela Saenz met at a ball and from that moment tried to be together. She is also a Creole, 12 years younger. She shared views on the liberation of colonial territories in Latin America. When Manuela met Simon, she was married to Dr. Thorne. The woman considered her husband a good man, but boring. Saenz was instantly drawn to the politician.

Manuela and Simon never officially became husband and wife. He swore to remain faithful to his late wife, and she to her official husband. Bolivar was grateful to her for saving him during the assassination attempt. After the miraculous rescue of their leader, the people began to call Manuela “the liberator of the Liberator.”

When he abdicated the presidency, he convinced Saenz to leave him. She continued to love him and wrote letters from Bogota, telling in detail about what was happening, about how former comrades in the movement were betraying his cause. After the death of her beloved, Manuela left for Paita. She lived in poverty and tried to survive by selling cigarettes and sweets. She saved letters from Simon, but they were burned during the diphtheria epidemic. Saenz died from the same disease and was buried in a common grave.

Bolivar had no children.

Death

Simon passed away at the age of 47. The sad event occurred on December 17, 1830. The cause of death has not yet been established: according to some sources - from tuberculosis, according to others - poisoning. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez attempted to dot the i's. A decision is made to exhume the revolutionary’s body.

After DNA analysis, both versions were not confirmed. Hugo Chavez, despite the results, continued to claim that the Liberator had been killed. In memory of the hero of the liberation movement, he changes the name of the country to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Bolivar died on someone else's estate, near the city of Santa Marta. Before his death, he renounced his property and died in poverty. They buried him in someone else's clothes.

After death, the name of Bolivar continues to live its own life. Among the interesting facts is information about the name of the asteroid Boliviana, discovered in 1911, in honor of the politician. One of the highest mountain peaks in the world also bears his name - Bolivar Peak. The currency of Venezuela is bolivars, and the portrait of the politician adorns banknotes of various denominations.

In the US capital, Washington, there is a bronze monument to Simon Bolivar by sculptor Felix de Weldon. It is considered the largest equestrian monument to a politician in the Western Hemisphere.

Films have been made about the revolutionary’s activities. The most famous are “Simon Bolivar” directed by Alexandro Blasetti in 1963 and “The Liberator” directed by Alberto Arvelo, filmed in 2013.