Simón Bolívar

1783–1830 · Venezuelan (Caracas) · Latin American Independence Era

Known for: "The Liberator"—freed six South American nations from Spanish rule

Bolívar was a Venezuelan aristocrat who dedicated his life to liberating South America from Spanish colonial rule. He freed Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia (named after him), earning the title 'El Libertador.' He crossed the Andes with an army—one of military history's most audacious maneuvers.

He envisioned a united South American federation (Gran Colombia) but political factionalism tore it apart during his lifetime. He served as president of Gran Colombia but was increasingly authoritarian as he tried to hold the nation together.

He died at 47 of tuberculosis, impoverished and disillusioned, saying 'All who served the revolution have plowed the sea.' His dream of continental unity died with him but his legacy as Latin America's greatest hero endures.

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