Simon Bolivar

For other uses, see Simón Bolívar (disambiguation).

"Bolívar" redirects here. For other uses, see Bolívar (disambiguation).

Simón Bolívar

Simón Bolívar 2.jpg

President of Gran Colombia

In office

17 December 1819 – 4 May 1830

Vice President Francisco de Paula Santander

Succeeded by Domingo Caycedo

President of Bolivia

In office

12 August 1825 – 29 December 1825

Succeeded by Antonio José de Sucre

President of Peru

In office

17 February 1824 – 28 January 1827

Preceded by José Bernardo de Tagle, Marquis of Torre-Tagle

Succeeded by Andrés de Santa Cruz

Personal details

Born Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar y Palacios Ponte y Blanco

24 July 1783

Caracas, Captaincy General of Venezuela, Spanish Empire (present-day Venezuela)

Died 17 December 1830 (aged 47)

Santa Marta, New Granada (present-day Colombia)

Spouse(s) María Teresa Rodríguez del Toro y Alaysa

Religion Roman Catholic

Signature

Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar y Palacios Ponte y Blanco (24 July 1783 – 17 December 1830), commonly known as Simón Bolívar (Spanish pronunciation: [siˈmon boˈliβar]), was a military and political leader. Bolívar played a key role in Latin America's successful struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire, and is today considered one of the most influential politicians in the history of the Americas.

Following the triumph over the Spanish monarchy, Bolívar participated in the foundation of the first union of independent nations in Hispanic-America, a republic, now known as Gran Colombia, of which he was president from 1819 to 1830. Via his Decree of War to the Death, Bolívar allowed the widespread use of atrocities in retaliation for the historic atrocities of the Spanish army. Despite his brutal tactics, Bolívar is regarded as a hero, visionary, revolutionary, and liberator in Hispanic-America.

During his lifetime, he led Venezuela, Colombia (including Panama at the time), Ecuador, Peru (together with Don José de San Martín), and Bolivia to independence from the Spanish Empire. Admirers claim that he helped lay the foundations for democracy in much of Latin America

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