Profile of the Day: Simón Bolívar

Simón Bolívar

On December 17, 1830, Venezuelan military and political leader Simón Bolívar died at the age of 47. Considered one of the most influential politicians in the history of the Americas, Bolívar played an instrumental role in Latin America’s successful struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire.

Bolívar’s surname was derived from the Bolívar aristocrats from the Basque Country La Puebla de Bolívar in Spain. In the sixteenth century, the family settled in Venezuela and prospered. Born into wealth, Simón was educated in Spain, where he immersed himself in Europe’s political sphere.

After France invaded Spain, Simón returned to Venezuela to join the resistance movement against the Spanish monarchy. Nicknamed “El Libertador,” Simón would help lead Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia to independence from the Spanish Empire. Today many historians credit him for helping to lay the foundations for democracy in much of Latin America.

Did you know the country of Bolivia was named after the inspirational leader?

Simón Bolívar is connected to over 80 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?

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