Simon Bolivar was born in 1783 into a wealthy and prominent family in Venezuela. As a young man, he joined a group of patriots seeking to liberate Venezuela from Spanish oppression. He later became a great military leader who refused to abandon his cause despite many setbacks and defeats. Bolivar has freed not only his homeland but also all of northwestern South America. Today, Bolivar is president of Gran Colombia, supreme chief of Peru, and president and protector of Bolivia, a land named in his honor. Recently, he has expressed an interest in an alliance with Great Britain. The Gentleman's Magazine spoke to Bolivar about his achievements.


Q. What people or events inspired you in your fight to free South America from Spain?

Bolivar: In my youth, I was introduced to and inspired by the writings of the great French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who opposed tyranny and believed government should exist by the will of the people. I also admired and copied the military tactics of the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, including the quick movement of troops and the use of highly emotional patriotic speeches and proclamations to motivate soldiers, though I must add that I hated the emperor's despotism. Finally, I looked to the recent North American revolution, which led to the independence of the United States, as an example. And in particular, I sought to emulate the great hero of that war, George Washington, who helped build the free nation that was born from that war.

 

Q. When did you decide to dedicate your life to liberating South America from Spain?

Bolivar: On a visit to Europe when I was 21, I met the famous German scientist Baron Alexander von Humboldt. He had toured South America and had been impressed with the potential of my homeland for greatness. But he felt this would come only if it were free of Spanish domination. He told me, "I believe your country is ripe for greatness but I do not see the man who could undertake this task." It was then that I first turned my thoughts to freeing Venezuela. Shortly after, I visited Rome, and as I stood looking at the ruins of the Roman Forum, an artifact of a once great republic, I made a solemn vow. I swore by God and my native country that I would never give rest to my arm nor to my soul until I had broken the shackles that chained us to Spain.

 

Q. How long did you fight for South American independence?

Bolivar: Fifteen years ago, I first took up arms against the Spaniards, who for three centuries had tyrannized this part of the world. I set out originally to free my homeland of Venezuela, but then continued on to liberate Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. Part of Peru is now a state called Bolivia in my honor. In that time, I fought in many battles, was betrayed by a man I trusted, was forced to flee into exile more than once, and escaped assassination. At long last, my army, under the command of General Antonio Jose de Sucre, defeated a huge Spanish army at the Battle of Ayacucho in Peru on Dec. 9, 1824. Our glorious victory destroyed the last remnant of Spanish power on the continent.

 

Q. Have you personally profited from the enormous power you hold?

Bolivar: Absolutely not. I often have refused to accept payment for my services, and I have given away much of what I have received to help others. I have turned down awards of money offered by grateful governments, including the huge sum of one million dollars that the Peruvian Congress voted to give me in 1824.

 

Q. What are your hopes for the future?

Bolivar: Now that South America has been freed from the yoke of Spanish oppression, I will work to prepare the people to accept the responsibilities of democracy. The barriers of origin, race, and color must disappear. I will also labor to bring all the countries of South America into a political union of cooperation for mutual benefit. It is my hope that this group, with the help of a strong alliance with Great Britain, will protect its members against any European despots that might seek to crush liberty in South America.