Simón Bolívar: A Venezuelan Revolutionary Leader
Simón Bolívar: A Venezuelan Revolutionary Leader
Mission for Independence
Napoleon’s invasion of Spain created a power vacuum, weakening the Spanish Empire. Venezuela seized this opportunity to pursue independence.
Caracas Aristocracy – Revolt and Emancipation
- The revolutionary ideals spread among the population.
- Spain’s Vicente Emparan attempted to control the situation by dismissing the government of Caracas and the Captain-General.
- April 19, 1810, marked the first step towards independence.
Bolívar as a Diplomat
Following the events of April 19, 1810, strategies were developed to strengthen Venezuela’s economy. Diplomatic missions were sent abroad to seek support from powerful nations and legitimize the new government.
Ultimate Board (Objectives)
- Dismiss Spanish public officials and military personnel.
- Establish shipping fees to major cities (Guayana, Coro, Maracaibo).
- Send delegates to other countries (USA, London, and Curacao) to garner support.
Bolívar offered his services to the Supreme Board, which accepted and sent him to London. He traveled there to observe the country and connect with Francisco de Miranda, a prominent revolutionary figure.
Diplomatic Mission Failure
England, having lost its North American colonies, sought to expand its trade and did not support Venezuela. The diplomatic mission failed.
Bolívar and the Military
First Republic
Bolívar returned from London to political instability in Venezuela. He formed the Patriotic Society in Caracas and participated with Miranda in the establishment of the First Republic. Following the devastating earthquake in Caracas in 1812, Bolívar uttered his famous phrase, “If nature opposes us, we will fight her and make her obey us.”
The First Republic fell, and Bolívar was exiled to Colombia.
Cartagena Manifesto
In December 1812, Bolívar wrote the Cartagena Manifesto, analyzing the failures of the First Republic and requesting assistance to regain it.
Eastern Campaign
A patriot group, including Santiago Mariño, Manuel Piar, and José Francisco Bermúdez, invaded eastern Venezuela. After several attempts to capture Cumaná, Santiago Mariño earned the title “Liberator of the East.” However, conflicts and political rivalries emerged within the patriot army.
Admirable Campaign
In 1813, Bolívar led a westward campaign, invading from Táchira to Caracas. He proclaimed the Decree of War to Death, aiming to intimidate royalist forces and emphasize that the war was against the Spanish Empire, fostering a sense of national and American identity.
Second Republic
Victories led to the restoration of the Second Republic, with Bolívar as its leader. However, in 1814, several battles ensued, including those against José Tomás Boves. The Second Republic fell after the Battle of La Puerta, and Bolívar went into exile in Jamaica.
Jamaica Letter
While in exile, Bolívar wrote the Jamaica Letter, providing an overview of the independence war, criticizing the colonial system, predicting the future form of government for the new nations, highlighting Spain’s inability to control America, and soliciting help from foreign countries.
Expedition of Los Cayos
Bolívar requested assistance from Alexandre Pétion, the President of Haiti. He and other patriots captured territory, including Ocumare and Carúpano, and issued a decree granting freedom to enslaved people.
Taking Southern Territories
Led by Manuel Piar, the patriots captured the southern territories. Bolívar distributed property to officers and soldiers. However, conflicts arose between Bolívar and Piar, who did not recognize Bolívar’s supreme authority. Political rivalries and power struggles affected the patriot army, culminating in Piar’s execution in 1817.
Congress of Angostura
The Congress of Angostura was installed on February 15, 1819. Bolívar was named President of the Republic. The union of New Granada and Venezuela formed the Republic of Colombia (Gran Colombia).
Liberation Campaign of New Granada
Several battles were fought, including the Battle of Gamarra and the Battles of Vargas Swamp. The aim was to liberate New Granada from Pablo Morillo. Patriots involved included Páez, Plaza, Bermúdez, Mariño, Soublette, Camejo (the first black general), and Urdaneta.
Battle of Carabobo
The Battle of Carabobo was a decisive victory for the patriots. Antonio José de Sucre won the Battle of Pichincha and declared the independence of Colombia.
Peruvian Campaign
Bolívar led the campaign in Peru, achieving victories at the battles of Junín and Ayacucho. Sucre was given the title “Marshal of Ayacucho” by Bolívar.
Creation of Bolivia
The Assembly declared the independence of Bolivia and appointed Bolívar as President. A Constituent Assembly was formed, and Bolívar organized the government. He later left the presidency to Sucre.
Panama Congress
The Panama Congress, held in Panama City, sought to promote unity and solidarity among the newly independent nations. The objective was to create a confederation of independent nations, including Colombia, Mexico, Central America, Buenos Aires, Chile, and Brazil, but excluding the United States. The Treaty of Union, League, and Perpetual Confederation was signed. The confederation would have its own army and a system of government. The abolition of slavery was decreed.
Dissolution of Gran Colombia
Despite Bolívar’s efforts to achieve unity, discontent and envy arose. Bolívar served as President, with Francisco de Paula Santander as Vice-President. Conflicts emerged between Bolívar and Páez, leading to Santander’s dismissal. The Cosiata rebellion, led by Páez, highlighted the conflict between centralism and federalism. Bolívar pardoned the participants and restored Páez’s position. Congress called on Bolívar to become dictator, and he assumed the presidency with concentrated power.
Assassination Attempt
On September 25, 1828, in Bogotá, an assassination attempt was made on Bolívar’s life. He was saved by Manuela Sáenz. The perpetrators were killed, and others were imprisoned.
Constituent Congress of Venezuela
Venezuela held a Constituent Congress, and Quito separated from Gran Colombia. Sucre resigned the presidency of Bolivia and traveled to Bogotá to mediate with the separatists and prevent the disintegration of Gran Colombia. However, he was assassinated by separatists who feared Bolívar’s potential success.
Sword of Peru
In 1825, after the victory at Junín, the municipality of Lima presented Bolívar with the Sword of Peru, a symbol of his achievements as a liberator.