WHAT FAMOUS FOR Played a key role in Hispanic America's successful struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire.
BIRTH Simón Bolívar was born on July 24, 1783, in Caracas, which is present-day Venezuela.
FAMILY BACKGROUND Simón's father, Coronel Don Juan Vicente Bolívar y Ponter, was a wealthy aristocratic landowner who had married into Spanish aristocracy. His mother was Doña María de la Concepción Palacios y Blanco. He had two older sisters and a brother: María Antonia, Juana, and Juan Vicente. Another sister, María del Carmen, died at birth.
Bolívar's father died when Simón was two and a half years old and his mother passed away when he was approaching nine years of age. After his parents' deaths, Bolívar's custody bounced around between relatives. He reportedly had a strained relationship with his uncle Carlos Palacios who managed his inheritance.
CHILDHOOD Thrust into a situation where his custody became a point of contention among relatives, he reportedly had a difficult relationship with his uncle Carlos, who was entrusted with managing the family inheritance. While the details are sketchy, some accounts depict Bolívar as a restless and even rebellious child during this period. It's likely that the emotional turmoil caused by the loss of his parents and a strained relationship with his guardian contributed to this behavior.
Simon's nanny, Hipólita gave young Simón all the affection he needed and indulged him in all his wishes and desires.
EDUCATION Not a simple Simon - Bolívar was educated by private tutors in Caracas and also in Spain, which he completed in 1799. The most influential of his tutors was Don Simón Rodríguez, who understood young Simon's personality and inclinations, and tried from the very beginning to be an empathetic friend. They took long walks through the countryside and climbed mountains. Don Simón taught the youngster how to swim and ride horses, and, in the process, taught him about liberty, human rights, politics, history, and sociology.
EDUCATION Not a simple Simon - Bolívar was educated by private tutors in Caracas and also in Spain, which he completed in 1799. The most influential of his tutors was Don Simón Rodríguez, who understood young Simon's personality and inclinations, and tried from the very beginning to be an empathetic friend. They took long walks through the countryside and climbed mountains. Don Simón taught the youngster how to swim and ride horses, and, in the process, taught him about liberty, human rights, politics, history, and sociology.
When Simon was fourteen, Don Simón had to abandon the country, as he was accused of being involved in a conspiracy against the Spanish government in Caracas. Thus, Simon entered the military academy of the Milicias de Veraguas, which his father had directed as colonel years earlier. Through these years of military training, he developed his fervent passion for armaments and military strategy, which he later would employ on the battlefields of the wars of independence.
CAREER RECORD Bolívar’s career was defined by his leadership in the South American independence movements.
Here's his resume
1804 For a time Bolívar was part of Napoleon's retinue during which he witnessed the coronation of the French Emperor in Notre Dame, and this majestic event left a profound a impression upon him. From that moment he wished that he could emulate similar triumphant glory for the people back home in Venezuela.
1807 Returned to Venezuela.
1810 After the Spanish governor is deprived of office Bolívar travels to London as representative of the Venezuelan government to attempt to secure British support for revolt against Spanish occupation.
1813 After invading Venezuela successfully, Bolívar is proclaimed El Libertador.
1814 Bolívar entered Bogota, Columbia recapturing the city from the dissenting republican forces of Cundinamarca.
1815, After a number of political and military disputes with the government of Cartagena, Bolívar flees to Jamaica, then onto Haiti, where he was granted sanctuary and protection.
1817 With Haitian soldiers and vital material support (on the condition that he abolish slavery), Bolívar lands in Venezuela. He sets up provisional government in Venezuela and is elected president.
1819 Appointed himself President of Greater Colombia.
1824 Proclaimed himself Emperor of Peru.
1825 The Republic of Bolivia is created at the Congress of Upper Peru. Bolívar is thus one of the few men to have a country named after him.
1830 Abdicated as President of Colombia. "America" Bolívar said on his deathbed, " is ungovernable. Those who have served the revolution, have ploughed the sea."
APPEARANCE Bolívar was described as having a commanding presence, with a long, thin face, dark hair, long sideburns and penetrating eyes. He was of average height but possessed a dignified and charismatic demeanor.
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| Simón Bolívar, 1st President of Bolivia by José Toro Moreno |
FASHION Bolívar typically wore military uniforms that reflected his status as a commander. In civilian life, he dressed in the elegant clothing typical of the aristocracy of his time.
CHARACTER Bolívar was known for his determination, vision, and unwavering commitment to the cause of independence. He was a charismatic leader with a strong sense of justice and a deep belief in republican values.
SENSE OF HUMOUR Bolívar had a sharp and often sardonic sense of humor. His wit was evident in his speeches and writings, where he occasionally used humor to make his points.
RELATIONSHIPS While in Madrid during 1802, he married María Teresa Rodríguez del Toro y Alaysa, who was the daughter of a nobleman. She died of yellow fever less than a year after their marriage. Bolivar had numerous romantic liaisons throughout his life, but he never remarried.
His most famous relationship was with Ecuadorian revolutionary Manuela Sáenz. They met in 1822 and remained close until his death. Sáenz was a passionate supporter of his revolutionary cause and a source of strength for him. Leaving her husband in 1822, she began an eight-year collaboration and intimate relationship with Bolívar that lasted until his death in 1830.
After Manuela prevented an 1828 assassination attempt against her lover and facilitated his escape, Bolivar began to call her, "Libertadora del Libertador", the liberator of the liberator and she was celebrated and given many honors.
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| Idealized Portrait of Manuela Sáenz de Aizpuru by Marco Salas Yepes ( |
MONEY AND FAME Bolívar came from substantial wealth, but he spent much of his fortune financing the independence movements. Despite his fame and adulation, he died in relative poverty.
The currencies of Venezuela and Bolivia—the bolívar and boliviano respectively—are named after Bolívar.
FOOD AND DRINK Bolívar enjoyed traditional Venezuelan cuisine. He was known to have a preference for simple, hearty meals and was a moderate drinker.
MUSIC AND ARTS Bolívar had an appreciation for the arts, particularly music. He enjoyed listening to classical compositions and supported cultural activities in the regions he liberated.
LITERATURE Bolívar was well-read and deeply influenced by the works of Enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu. He also wrote extensively, including letters, speeches, and political treatises.
In 1814 during his exile in Jamaica Bolívar wrote Letter From Jamaica, a vision of what he hoped Latin America might become.
NATURE Bolívar had a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of South America. His campaigns often took him through diverse landscapes, which he admired and respected.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Bolívar enjoyed horseback riding and fencing, both of which were not only hobbies but also essential skills for his military career.
SCIENCE AND MATHS Bolívar had a keen interest in the technological and scientific advancements of his time, understanding their importance for progress and military strategy.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Bolívar was heavily influenced by Enlightenment philosophy, advocating for liberty, equality, and republicanism. He was influenced by Napoleon, Rousseau and the French and American Revolutions. He dreamt of creating one nation from Mexico to Cape Horn. His Letter From Jamaica outlined a continent of constitution Republics based on England’s Houses of Lords and Commons. The president (him of course!) would serve for life.
Bolívar was a Freemason. He was initiated in 1803 in Cadiz, Spain's Masonic Lodge Lautaro. It was in this lodge that he first met some of his revolutionary peers, such as José de San Martín. In May 1806 he was conferred the rank of Master Mason in the "Scottish Mother of St. Alexander of Scotland" in Paris.
POLITICS Simón Bolívar proclaimed the Republic of Gran Colombia on December 17, 1819, during the Congress of Angostura in present-day Venezuela. This was part of Bolívar's vision for a unified South American state to consolidate independence from Spanish colonial rule.
SCANDAL Bolívar's life was marked by political controversies and power struggles. He faced opposition and accusations of authoritarianism, especially towards the end of his career, leading to his resignation and eventual exile.
Gran Colombia officially combined the territories of modern-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama into a single republic. Bolívar served as its president, and the formation of Gran Colombia marked a significant step toward the liberation and unity of northern South America.
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| A map of Gran Colombia showing the 12 departments created in 1824 |
Bolívar was a strong advocate for republican forms of government over monarchy. He rejected the idea of a European-style monarchy for Latin America, believing in the establishment of republican constitutions that balanced executive, legislative, and judicial powers.
While Bolívar championed liberty, he believed that certain regions required strong leadership—even temporary dictatorship—during their transition to stability. In 1828, he assumed dictatorial powers in Gran Colombia after political infighting and governance challenges. Bolívar justified this by arguing that newly independent nations were not yet ready for full democratic governance due to divisions and instability.
SCANDAL Bolívar's life was marked by political controversies and power struggles. He faced opposition and accusations of authoritarianism, especially towards the end of his career, leading to his resignation and eventual exile.
Bolívar was prevented from fulfilling his dream of one single South American state by the powerful families whose dreams he threatened.
If one is being critical you could say that having destroyed Spanish rule Bolívar failed to replace it with an adequate form of government and was forced into dictatorship.
MILITARY RECORD During his time in Europe Bolívar was influenced by Bolívar's military record is illustrious. He led numerous successful campaigns against Spanish forces, employing guerrilla tactics and securing decisive victories that led to the independence of several South American nations. Bolivar fought over 200 battles in his military career.
1810 Bolívar fought under the command of Francisco de Miranda who led the revolt against the Spanish royalists.
1813 Bolívar invaded Venezuela, he captured Caracas, where he established a dictatorship.
1814 Bolívar commanded a force for the United Provinces and entered Bogota, Columbia, recapturing the city from the dissenting republican forces of Cuninamarca.
1815 Withdrew to Jamaica and Haiti. Bolívar raided Spanish American coasts and rallied the insurgents in Haiti proclaiming it a republic.
1817 Bolívar again invaded Venezuela, this time more successfully. He established a revolutionary government at Angostura (now Ciudad Bolívar).
1818 Secured independence for Chile and Venezuela
1819 Defeated Spanish in Colombia.
1821 Bolívar countered a resurgence of Spanish royalist activity by leading his army to an overwhelming victory near Carabobo, thus ensuring Venezuelan independence.
1822 Liberated Ecuador. New republic of Colombia now completely independent of Spain
1823 Bolívar was invited to lead Peruvian struggle. Did he accept? Do chicken have lips?
1824 Final victory won and framed constitution
1825 Independence of Upper Peru proclaimed.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Bolívar was generally healthy and physically fit for most of his life, attributed to his active lifestyle and military campaigns. However, in his later years, he suffered from tuberculosis, which ultimately contributed to his death.
HOMES Bolívar lived in various homes throughout his life, including estates in Venezuela and official residences in Bogotá and Lima. He spent his final days in the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino in Santa Marta, Colombia.
TRAVEL Bolívar travelled widely in Europe in his younger days, which inspired him to liberate his country from Spain. He also saw a lot of West Indies and South America
In his later years his travels were often related to his military campaigns and political duties, but he also traveled for education and diplomatic missions.
DEATH Bolívar resigned his presidency on April 27, 1830, intending to leave the country for exile in Europe or the Caribbean. However he died aged 47 a disillusioned and hated man at a friend’s estate in Columbia on December 17, 1830, having failed to pacify contending factions in Columbia after a painful battle with tuberculous.
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| Bolívar's death, by Venezuelan painter Antonio Herrera Toro, 1889 |
His remains were buried in the cathedral of Santa Marta. Twelve years later, in 1842, at the request of President José Antonio Páez, they were moved from Santa Marta to Caracas, where a monument was set up for his interment in the National Pantheon of Venezuela. The 'Quinta' near Santa Marta has been preserved as a museum with numerous references to his life.
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Bolívar has been depicted in numerous films, television series, and books. His life and legacy continue to be a subject of fascination and inspiration in popular culture and historical studies. They include:
1. French composer Darius Milhaud wrote an opera in 1943 "Bolívar," based on his life.
2. Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s 1991 novel, The General In His Labyrinth, describes the last four months of Bolívar’s life.
ACHIEVEMENTS Bolivar's vision for a united Latin America and his contributions to republicanism and independence have cemented his legacy as one of the most important figures in Latin American history.
1. Freed much of South America from Spanish occupation. Thus creating Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador from Spain
2. Bolivia (formerly Upper Peru ) is named thus in Bolívar’s honour.
3. His birthday, July 24th, is celebrated as Simón Bolívar Day in Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, and Bolivia. .
4. Proclaimed the liberty of slaves in Venezuela.
Sources Wikipedia and my knowledge.
2. Bolivia (formerly Upper Peru ) is named thus in Bolívar’s honour.
3. His birthday, July 24th, is celebrated as Simón Bolívar Day in Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, and Bolivia. .
4. Proclaimed the liberty of slaves in Venezuela.
Sources Wikipedia and my knowledge.
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