Simón Bolívar remains a towering figure in Latin American history, celebrated for his pivotal role in the wars of independence that liberated several South American countries from Spanish rule. As a revered revolutionary, politician, and military leader, Bolívar was instrumental in freeing Venezuela, New Granada (modern-day Colombia and Panama), and the province of Quito (modern Ecuador) from Spanish domination. His presidency over Great Colombia, formed by these liberated territories from 1819 to 1830, marked a significant era in the region’s history. Additionally, he played a key role in liberating Peru and was honored by having the Republic of Bolivia named after him in 1825. Bolívar’s contributions and leadership have led him to be hailed as a national hero in Venezuela and remain an icon of Latin American independence movements.
