Bolivar, Simon

Bolivar, Simon (1783-1830), general, b. Venezuela.

Bolivar put an end to the power of Spain in South America.

At the start of the 19th century, the continent was still part of the Spanish Empire. After a series of wars, Bolivar helped to form new countries one by one-Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and the country named after him, Bolivia.

By 1824 all South America was free of Spain. Bolivar tried to form the new countries into a union but did not succeed.

He himself ruled Colombia but the people turned against him and he was almost killed by an assassin. Afterwards he resigned, and he died within a year.

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