1-157-584 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Simon Bolivar, 19th century South American revolutionary. Bolivar (1783-1830) is known as the 'Liberator' of South America from Spanish rule. The son of a Venezuelan aristocrat he led a series of revolutions in Spanish-ruled South America, leading to the creation of the independent states of Colombia (1819), Venezuela (1821), Ecuador (1822), Peru (1824) and Bolivia (1825). He served as President of Colombia (1821-1830) and Peru (1823-1829). Bolivar envisaged the establishment of a league of Hispanic South American nations, but the countries he had liberated began to quarrel amongst themselves. Disillusioned, Bolivar left for Europe, but died on the journey.