Passion or Profession: Revolutionary

Period: 1783–1830

Simón Bolívar, also known as “the Liberator,” is best known for leading successful revolutions against the Spanish in Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia. He was both a political and military leader, and at the height of his power he ruled over a large portion of South America. He called the federation of newly freed territories the Gran Colombia. Although Bolivar fell from leadership as the federation crumbled, he is still regarded as a national hero in each nation, especially in his native Venezuela.