Simon Bolivar

The General’s Disunited States of South America “Let us hasten to break the chains of those who groan in the dungeons waiting for salvation from you. Do not betray their trust. Do not be deaf to the cries of your brothers. Avenge the dead, save the dying, relieve the oppressed, and bring freedom to all!” Those were the powerful words written by Simon Bolivar, which persuaded the people of Colombia to support him with …

…not anxious to recognize their debt. The government of Venezuela even refused to allow his body onto Venezuelan soil, and he was buried in Colombia. It was 12 years before Bolívar's family could bring his remains back to his homeland. Since then his reputation has risen steadily. Today many Spanish Americans consider Bolívar one of the leading heroes of the independence movement and one of the early supporters of republican government in Spanish America.