Simon Bolivar (1783-1830) was the greatest leader of Latin America's independence movement from Spain. An excellent general and an interesting and well-liked politician, he not only drove the Spanish from northern South America but also was of great help in the early childhood of the republics that sprang up once the Spanish had gone. His later years are marked by the collapse of his grand dream of a united South America. He is remembered as "The Liberator," the man who freed his home from Spanish rule.
Bolivar was born in Caracas (present-day Venezuela) in 1783 to a very rich family. At that time, a handful of families owned most of the land in Venezuela, and the Bolivar family was among the richest in the colony. Both of his parents died while Simon was still young: he had no memory of his father, Juan Vicente, and his mother …show more content…
Sucre's army moved into present-day Ecuador, freeing towns and cities as it went. On May 24, 1822, Sucre squared off against the largest royalist force in Ecuador. They fought on the muddy slopes of Pichincha Volcano, within sight of Quito. The Fight of Pichincha was a great victory for Sucre and the patriots, who forever drove the Spanish from Ecuador. Bolivar left Santander in charge of Gran Colombia and headed south to meet up with Sucre. On July 26-27, Bolivar met with Jose de San Martin, liberator of Argentina, in Guayaquil. It was decided there that Bolivar would lead the charge into Peru, the last royalist stronghold on the continent. On August 6 1824, Bolivar and Sucre defeated the Spanish at the Fight of Junín. On December 9, Sucre dealt with the royalists at another harsh blow at the Fight of Ayacucho, basically destroying the last royalist army in Peru. The next year, also on August 6, the Congress of Upper Peru created the nation of Bolivia, naming it after Bolivar and confirming him as
Bolivar was born in Caracas (present-day Venezuela) in 1783 to a very rich family. At that time, a handful of families owned most of the land in Venezuela, and the Bolivar family was among the richest in the colony. Both of his parents died while Simon was still young: he had no memory of his father, Juan Vicente, and his mother …show more content…
Sucre's army moved into present-day Ecuador, freeing towns and cities as it went. On May 24, 1822, Sucre squared off against the largest royalist force in Ecuador. They fought on the muddy slopes of Pichincha Volcano, within sight of Quito. The Fight of Pichincha was a great victory for Sucre and the patriots, who forever drove the Spanish from Ecuador. Bolivar left Santander in charge of Gran Colombia and headed south to meet up with Sucre. On July 26-27, Bolivar met with Jose de San Martin, liberator of Argentina, in Guayaquil. It was decided there that Bolivar would lead the charge into Peru, the last royalist stronghold on the continent. On August 6 1824, Bolivar and Sucre defeated the Spanish at the Fight of Junín. On December 9, Sucre dealt with the royalists at another harsh blow at the Fight of Ayacucho, basically destroying the last royalist army in Peru. The next year, also on August 6, the Congress of Upper Peru created the nation of Bolivia, naming it after Bolivar and confirming him as