Simón Bolívar: The Liberator of Latin America

Early Life and Background

• Birth: 1783 in Caracas, Venezuela (Spanish colony)
• Social Class: Creole (wealthy Latin Americans of European descent)
  • Owned mines and businesses
• Education: Moved to Spain after parents' death, studied in Europe
  • Influenced by Enlightenment ideas: liberty, equality, fraternity
  • Inspired by American and French revolutions

Vision and Goals

• Independence: Longed to free Latin America from Spanish control
• Government: Desired representative government in Venezuela
• Abolition of Slavery: Referred to slavery as "Daughter of Darkness"

Path to Independence

• 1808: Joined the fight for Venezuelan independence when Joseph Bonaparte was made King of Spain
• 1810: First Republic of Venezuela established after an uprising
  • Toppled by Spanish forces in 1812
• 1813: Restoration of Venezuelan Republic
  • Led the Admirable Campaign
  • Boldly crossed the Andes to surprise Spanish forces in Bogota

Key Achievements and Alliances

• Title: Proclaimed "el libertador," or "the liberator"
• Alliances: Partnered with José de San Martín to liberate Peru
• 1825: Republic of Bolivia created in his honor

Legacy and Ideals

• Gran Colombia: Helped create a federation of Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, and Ecuador
  • Federation eventually failed, but independence prevailed
• Philosophy: Advocated for happiness, social security, and political stability
  • Famous Angostura Address quote
• Death: 1830

Enduring Influence

• Simón Bolívar remains an influential figure in Latin America and beyond
• Celebrated for dedication to Enlightenment ideals and independence efforts

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These notes summarize the significant events and contributions of Simón Bolívar, emphasizing his role in Latin American independence and his lasting legacy as a proponent of Enlightenment principles.