Hometown of Simon Bolivar 7 letters scanword. Bolivar, Simon - a brief biography. Liberation of South America

Simon Bolivar

Bolivar Simon (1783-1830), leader of the struggle for the independence of the Spanish colonies in South America. Liberated from Spanish domination Venezuela, New Granada (modern Colombia and Panama), the province of Quito (modern Ecuador), in 1819-1830 the president of Great Colombia, established in these countries. In 1824 he liberated Peru and became the head of the Republic of Bolivia formed in the territory of Upper Peru (1825), named after him. Venezuelan National Congress proclaimed (1813) the Liberator.

+ + +

Simon Bolivar (1783-1830). Born in Caracas in a wealthy Creole family, descended from Biscay. In 1799, Bolivar went to Spain, and then to France. Continuing to manage his possessions, Bolivar participated in the conspiracies of the Creole aristocracy, the number of which increased markedly after the fall of the Spanish Bourbons in 1808. However, only in 1810 did Bolivar begin to actively engage in politics. Joining the "supreme junta" that overthrew the government, he was sent to London to win support from England. Through this mission, he met with Francisco Miranda and returned with him to Venezuela. They joined forces and forced the Congress, created in 1811, to declare the independence of Venezuela (July 5). Bolivar took part in the civil war that broke out between the patriots and royalists. He fully demonstrated his military talents during the defense of the New Kingdom of Granada from the Spaniards in 1812. Then he returned to Venezuela and after a devastating military campaign captured Caracas (August 6, 1813). After a year of fierce battles, he left Venezuela (October 1814) and got involved in internecine conflicts of patriots, then went to Jamaica (May 1815). Neither defeat nor exile broke him. He wrote a series of letters, the most famous of which was the quintessence of his political ideas: the unification of Venezuela, New Granada and the Republic of Colombia, an authoritarian democratic regime, an alliance of Latin American peoples. The liberal revolution in Spain (1821) brought a six-month truce: after the resumption of hostilities, Bolivar won a decisive victory at Carabobo (June 24, 1821), which brought independence to Venezuela. Bolivar subjugated the royalist population of the south and, with the support of Sucre, captured the province of Quito, which was annexed to the Colombian Federation (1822). In Guayaquil (July 1822), Jose de San Martin recognized the primacy of Libertador (the Liberator), as they called Bolivar, and ceded to him the honor of completing the independence of Peru, which was based on the victories of Bolivar under Junin (August 1824) and Sucre under Ayacucho (December 9, 1824). With the political arrangement of liberated America, Bolivar was not so lucky. In 1825, he was president of the republics of Greater Colombia, Peru and Bolivia (this name was given in his honor to upper Peru). The power that his fame gave him was not enough to overcome the geographic remoteness and disunity of the new countries. After the congress in Panama (1826), it became clear that his great project for the continental alliance of nations of Spanish America had failed. In January 1830, Bolivar renounced power. He went on a voluntary exile to his Spanish friend in Santa Marta, where he died on December 17.

Mazen O. Spanish America XVI - XVIII centuries / Oscar Mazen. - M., Veche, 2015, p. 323-325.

Bolivar (Simon Bolivar) - the liberator of the South American colonies from the rule of Spain (born in Caracas July 24, 178Z., Died in Santa Marta December 17, 1830), came from an ancient Spanish family. In 1789 he studied law in Madrid, then traveled to Italy, Switzerland, Germany, England and France. Living in Paris, attended the Normal and Polytechnic schools for some time. In 1805, B. visited the United States and here he conceived his plan for the liberation of the homeland from Spanish rule. The beginning of 1810 finds him in Venezuela, in an era when the insurrectional movement against Spain was clearly revealed, especially in the Caracas region. In 1810, B. was sent by a revolutionary youth to London to seek support from the British government, which, however, wished to remain neutral. B. left agent Louis-Lopez Mendes in London to conclude a loan and recruit soldiers on behalf of Venezuela, and returned back with a transport of weapons.

B. would be appointed colonel and governor in Puerto Cabello. The revolution was spreading more and more, when suddenly there was a strong earthquake on March 26, 1812, which the clergy, devoted to the mother country, tried to interpret to the distraught people, as heaven punishment, which should be followed by new disasters. Despite B.'s all efforts to dissuade the people, the vast masses of him again recognized the authority of Spain over them. B. retired to the island of Curaso, where, under the influence of the terrible reprisals accepted by Monteverde, he went to Cartagena, where there were many Venezuelan patriots, and here he issued a new call for revolution; then, with the assistance of Torres, president of New Grenada, he formed a small army. Monteverde was defeated at Matyurin (May 25, 1813). Bolivar drove the Spaniards out of the valleys of Cucutta, revolted in Merida, captured Trujillo, captured the entire province, Barinhas (in June 1813) and, chasing Monteverde on his heels, defeated him at Tinaketto. These vigorous victories frightened the supporters of Spain and forced Caracas to open the gates to the insurgents (Aug. 4, 1813). B. entered there in triumph; nicknamed the liberator, he became a dictator and was confirmed in this rank on Jan 2. 1814 by the Congress of Union Provinces. Caught to the extreme, the Spaniards turned for help to Ilaneros of Venezuela, the half-wild inhabitants of the Colombian steppes, and they defeated B. at Barkisemeto, after which the war took on a brutal character; the Llanerosos exterminated the patriots, sparing neither women nor children, and B., having decided to permanently divide both parties by the "bloody river," ordered all the captives to be killed. After several successes, B. was finally defeated at La Puerta (June 15, 1814) and barely escaping captivity, fled to Cartagena. The Congress of New Grenada placed at his disposal a small army, with which he attacked Santa Marta, but was defeated by the Spanish troops that came to the rescue under the command of General Morillo (in March 1815) and was to flee first to Jamaica and then to Haiti.

With his characteristic ability to find funds in the most critical moments, and thanks to his organizational talent, B. quickly formed a new army and even assembled a fleet, under the command of the wealthy Dutch merchant Brun, who supplied him with money and his ships. March 2, 1816 Brion defeated the Spanish fleet and 3rd B. landed on the island of Margarita. The National Assembly proclaimed Venezuela a "single and inseparable republic" and elected B. President (March 7, 1816), after which he was to go to Haiti again for new support and reached the province of Barcelona by the end of the year. After an unsuccessful attempt, to gather all the leaders of the revolution around him: Piar, Arismendi, Marino, Bermudez, in order to act according to the general plan, B. with the help of Brion captured Angostura (in May 1817) and raised all of Guiana against Spain. Then he ordered the arrest of PR and Marino. PR was executed on Oct. 16. 1817 year. Such an energetic course of action stopped the further development of anarchy. In February 1818, thanks to the sending of soldiers from London, B. formed a new army, but Morillo was defeated several times. Then he decided to enter into a final struggle with the Spaniards, attacked them on the territory of New South Grenada, where they strongly strengthened. Before embarking on this campaign, he convened a new congress in Angostur (Feb. 15, 1819), at which he was approved by the president of the republic. After a long and grueling passage through the Cordillera, July 10, 1819 B. entered Santa Fe and proclaimed the union of New Granada with Venezuela in one state, under the name "Republic of united and inseparable Colombia", after which he returned to Angostura and obtained from Congress of recognition of the union of both states (December 17, 1819). Thanks to the revolution that broke out in 1820 in Spain, the liberation of the Spanish colonies went very quickly. The Spaniards suffered one defeat after another. B. gradually took possession of Merida, Trujillo, Santa Marta, and inflicted a decisive defeat on the Spaniards under Carabobo (August 24, 1821). Quito joined the Republican Union of Colombian Provinces (May 22, 1822). In November 1823, Paes took possession of Puerto Cabello, and the Spaniards were expelled from the territory of Colombia. At the same time, B., authorized by the National Congress, entered Peru, took possession of Lima (Sept. 1, 1823) and became a dictator. In 1824, he defeated the Spaniards, who managed to capture Lima again, and forced them to surrender after the victories of General Sucre at Ayacucho (December 8, 1824) and Tumurla (April 1, 1825).

The whole country was declared independent and was named Bolivia, in honor of the liberator. Surrender Aug 11 1826 the Spaniards took their last possession - Callao. At the end of the war of independence, B. began to take care of the internal control system. On May 25, 1826, he presented his famous Bolivian Codex to the Congress in Lima. B. conceived a grandiose project: he wanted to form under the name of the Southern United States - a single huge republic, which would include Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, La Plata and Chile. On June 22, he convened a congress in Panama from representatives of all these states, which soon collapsed due to the destructive effects of fever. Soon after the project B. became known, they began to accuse him of wanting to create an empire under his authority to play the role of Napoleon. Colombia began to suffer from party strife: some, led by General Paes, proclaimed autonomy, others wanted to adopt the Bolivian Code. B. quickly arrived here, took over the dictatorship, and convened on March 2, 1828, in Ocana, a national assembly to discuss: "should the constitution of the state be transformed"? Congress could not come to a final result, and after several noisy meetings closed. B. compiled a note in which he indirectly blamed the national assembly and stated that all the turmoil in the republic was due to the weakness of the executive branch. Visiting the departments then, he gathered public meetings in Bogota, in Cartagen, Caracas, at which he was convincingly asked to take the highest power into his own hands. In the meantime, the Peruvians rejected the Bolivian Code and robbed B. of his title as president for life. Having lost power in Peru and Bolivia, B. June 20, 1828 entered Bogotá, where he established his residence: as head of the government of Colombia; 25 sept. federalists broke into his palace and killed the sentries. B. barely escaped. The people took his side, and Vice President Santander, the head of the conspirators, first sentenced to death, was then expelled with 70 of his followers. But the following year, anarchy intensified; On November 25, in Caracas itself, 486 distinguished citizens proclaimed the separation of Venezuela from Colombia. B., whose business began to crumble completely, gradually lost all influence and power. In a note he submitted to Congress, convened in Bogota in January 1830 to reform the Colombian government, he bitterly complained of the unjust accusations against him that were heard from everywhere from Europe and America. He rejected all sorts of monarchical aspirations that they wanted to impose on him, and offered his resignation several times, but they did not accept it. Then he decided to make the last effort and began to fight with Paez, who became so strong in the province of Maracaibo that B. did not dare to attack him. B. again requested resignation (April 27). On May 4, H. Mosquera was elected president. B. withdrew to Cartagena, where he soon died, exclaiming before his death: "oneness, oneness!" In 1832, B.'s ashes were transferred with great triumph to Caracas, where a triumphal arch was built in memory of the liberator. Bogota erected his statue in 1846. The city of Lima erected a horse statue in 1858. In 1866 his correspondence was published: "Correspondencia general de Libertador Simon Bolivar" (2 vols. New York, 1856 - 71). Cp. "Colleccion de documentos relatives a la vida publica del libertador de Columbia at de Peru Simon B." (22 vol., Caracas, 1826); Larrazabel, "Life of Simon B." (New York); Kojas, "Simon V." (Mad., 1883).

F. Brockhaus, I.A. Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary.

Monument to Simon Bolivar in Caracas.

BOLIVAR (Bolivar) Simon (07.24.1783, Caracas, Venezuela -17.12.1830, near Sait-Marta, Colombia), one of the leaders of the struggle for independence of the Spanish. colonies. Coming from a noble family. He spent his youth in Europe. With his return to his homeland, he actively participated in the struggle for the overthrow of Spanish. domination in Venezuela (1810), for the proclamation of its republic (1811). The Spaniards managed to defeat the young state, and B. settled in New Grenada (modern Colombia), where he launched preparations for further struggle. In 1813, troops under the command of B. occupied the chap. Venezuelan city of Caracas. The 2nd Venezuelan Republic was proclaimed, led by B., but in 1814 he was defeated and left his homeland. In 1816, a detachment led by B. again landed on the coast of Venezuela. The abolition of slavery (1816), the proclamation of a decree on the allotment of soldiers will free, the army land (1817) attracted broad people to the side of B. masses. In 1819, B.'s troops liberated New Grenada, after which the Republic of Great Colombia was formed, the composition of which included Venezuela and New Grenada. B. became its president. In 1822, troops under the command of B. freed Quito (now Ecuador), in 1824 - Peru. In 1825 a republic was formed in Upper Peru, named. in honor of B. Bolivia. Aiming at the consolidation of forces and the unification of young Latinos. state in the confederation, B. convened in Panama (1826) the continent, congress. However, because of the separatist uprisings that began and the opposition of England and the United States, Congress did not support B.'s plan. In Peru and Bolivia, B.'s power was overthrown. Then there was a threat of separation from Colombia of Venezuela and Quito, which forced B. in the beginning. 1830 to resign. V.'s activity, direct. to the elimination of colonialism, objectively contributed to the elimination of feuds, relations and bourgeois. development of the state, arising in the former. Spanish colonies in America. The name B. is very popular in Latinamer. countries. A number of provinces and cities, streets, monetary units were named in his honor, numerous were erected. monuments.

The materials of the Soviet military encyclopedia are used.

Bolivar y Ponte, Simon (1783-1830) - one of the most prominent figures in the war for the independence of the Spanish colonies in America. B. was born in the city of Caracas (Venezuela) in a landlord Creole family, was educated in Europe. In 1810 he took part in the movement for the separation of the Spanish colonies from Spain, becoming a member of the first independent Latin American government - the Caracas junta. B. stood out for its political horizons, good knowledge of the international situation and the ability to maneuver in difficult political conditions. The Caracas junta sent him as his diplomatic representative to England. Upon returning from there (1811) and until the complete defeat of the Spaniards in Latin America (1824), B. led a continuous struggle against Spain. In 1820, B. rejected the peace proposals of Spain, which boiled down to providing the colonies with administrative autonomy, saying that he would conclude only such a peace that would be based on the recognition of the complete independence of the former Spanish colonies in America.

B. military, political and diplomatic activities played a large role in the liberation of modern Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Bolivia.

B. believed that the separatist movement in Spanish America can count on victory only if it is supported by England. In 1824, B. wrote: "Only England, the mistress of the seas, is able to protect us against the combined forces of European reaction. If England does not declare herself the patroness of America, then sooner or later we will be defeated."

The British government supported the Spanish-American separatists and B. in particular, especially after the end of the Napoleonic Wars and the coming to power of Camping (see). In a letter to Grenville dated 17. XII 1824, Canning openly expressed the true reasons for such a policy of England. “If we do business smartly enough,” he wrote, “then liberated Spanish America will become English.” The British government encouraged the recruitment of volunteers in the so-called. "foreign legion", consisting of the British and Irish and one of the most combat-ready units in the army of B. English bankers gave B. and other leaders of the newly formed Latin American states large loans (totaling more than 20 million pounds).

England formally recognized the new republics in 1825, but its diplomatic agents were in Latin America a few years before.

The United States supported the Latin American separatists and recognized a number of newly formed republics even earlier than England. But even then, Anglo-American contradictions were emerging in Latin America, and the United States was not inclined to actively support such a pronounced Anglophile as B. In some cases, American emissaries in Colombia and Peru opposed B.

B. counted on the fact that at the end of the war of independence it would be possible to conclude a pan-American pact, which, "by combining all the republics into one political body, would allow America to appear before the world in an aura of such greatness that the peoples of antiquity did not know."

At the insistence of B., the Great Colombia Republic founded by him in 1819 (it included modern Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador) began negotiations on creating a confederation with other Latin American countries. 6. VII 1822 in Lima was concluded the Peruvian-Colombian treaty "on eternal union, league and confederation" (ratified by Peru. 15. VII 1822 and Colombia 12. VII 1823). The agreement provided for mutual assistance against Spain and any other aggressor. Similar treaties were concluded by Colombia with Buenos Aires (modern Argentina), Mexico and other Spanish-American countries.

In 1826, B. Panama succeeded in preparing and convening the United Congress with the participation of representatives of several Latin American republics (see Panama Congress). And here B. remained true to his Anglophile tendencies. This is evidenced by the text of a memorandum drawn up by him in Lima in February 1826: "The Panama Congress will unite all the representatives of America and the diplomatic agent of His British Majesty ... The Holy Union will be less powerful than this confederation, since Great Britain wishes to participate in it as a legal member "Humanity will bless this Wellness League a thousandfold, and America and the UK will take advantage of the benefits it will provide them."

B.'s efforts were unsuccessful. The ruling circles of the Spanish-American states opposed unification. In addition, both Great Britain and the United States preferred that Spanish America remain fragmented.

After the failure of the Panama Congress, B. tried to create a union of the three republics that were actually under its rule (Colombia, Peru and Bolivia). But he did not succeed. Venezuela (1829) and Ecuador (1830) stood out from the composition of Greater Colombia, and its borders were reduced to the borders of the former Spanish colony of New Grenada.

B.'s political influence was undermined, and he had to give up power over New Grenada (1828) and Venezuela (1830).

The peoples of the former Spanish colonies in America still honor B. as their liberator.

Diplomatic Dictionary. Ch. ed. A. Ya. Vyshinsky and S.A. Lozovsky. M., 1948.

BOLIVAR, Bolivar y Palacios (Bolivar y Palacios) Simon (full name Simon Jose Antonio) (July 24, 1783, Caracas - December 17, 1830, Santa Marta, Colombia), one of the leaders of the War of Independence of the Spanish Colonies in America, military and statesman of South America, where he is known as the Liberator (since 1813).

early years

Born in a noble Creole family of Basque origin. Soon lost his parents. Bolivar was greatly influenced by the education of his teacher and senior friend, a prominent enlightener, S. Rodriguez. He spent his youth in Europe (1799-1806, Spain, France, Italy), where he married early, but soon became a widower. August 15, 1805 on the hill of Monte Sacro in Rome, in the presence of Rodriguez, vowed to fight for the liberation of South America from the colonial yoke.

Venezuelan Republic

He took an active part in the overthrow of Spanish rule in Venezuela (April 1810) and its proclamation of an independent republic (1811). After the defeat of the latter by the Spanish troops, in 1812 he settled in New Granada (now Colombia), and in early 1813 he returned to his homeland. In August 1813, his troops occupied Caracas; the 2nd Venezuelan Republic was created, headed by Bolivar. However, not daring to carry out reforms in the interests of the lower classes, he failed to secure their support and in 1814 was defeated. Forced to seek refuge in Jamaica, in September 1815 he published an open letter there expressing confidence in the imminent liberation of Spanish America.

Columbia Education

Liberation of South America

In July 1822, Bolivar met in Guayaquil with H. de San Martin, whose army had already liberated part of Peru, but was unable to agree with him on joint actions. After the resignation of San Martin (September 20, 1822), he sent Colombian units to Peru in 1823, and the last Spanish forces on the American continent were defeated in 1824 (August 6 at Hunin and December 9 on the Ayacucho plain). Bolivar, who in February 1824 became the dictator of Peru, also headed the Republic of Bolivia, created in 1825 in the territory of Upper Peru, so named in his honor.

The collapse of the Colombian Federation

In an effort to unite the Spanish-American states, Bolivar convened a congress of their representatives in Panama (1826), but was not successful. At the end of the war of liberation, in contrast to his centralist politics in the region, centrifugal tendencies intensified. As a result of separatist protests, Bolivar lost power in Peru and Bolivia (1827-30). At the beginning of 1830 he resigned and soon died.

Bolivarian

In Latin America, the name Bolivar is very popular. It is immortalized in the names of the state, provinces, cities, streets, monetary units, with the help of numerous monuments. Biographical essays, works of art, historical works are devoted to him. Since 1822, a faithful girlfriend and inseparable companion of Bolivar's life, despite all the vicissitudes of his fate, was a native of Quito Creole Manuel Saens.

M.S. Alperovich

Simon Bolivar was born into a wealthy aristocratic family of a Creole landowner in Venezuela, in Caracas. He lost his parents early, but his guardian showed truly paternal care for the boy, giving him a brilliant education and upbringing.

He began his military activity in 1810, being already quite a mature man. First, Simon Bolivar joined Francisco de Miranda, who rebelled against the Spaniards, and soon became one of the most respected leaders of the rebels. Among the other leaders of the rebels, he stood out for his education and knowledge of military affairs.

However, Spain did not intend to lose its colony on the southern coast of the Caribbean Sea. Soon the royal troops launched a counterattack on rebel groups, poorly armed and poorly organized.

At this time, Simon Bolivar led the defense of the country's most important port city of Puerto Cabello. However, he lost to the Spaniards, commanded by General Juan Domingo Monteverde, the battle under the walls of the city - one of his closest subordinates turned out to be a traitor and gave the Spaniards a Bolivarian military plan.

After the defeat of the Venezuelan Republican Army, Simon Bolivar and his associates settled in neighboring New Grenada (modern Colombia) and began preparing rebel forces for the next stage of the armed struggle. His volunteer detachments experienced great difficulties with firearms, and the lack of commanders with a military education affected them.

In the spring of 1813, the rebel army of Simon Bolivar set foot on the territory of Venezuela. Moving forward with battles, it won decisive victories over the Spanish royalists at Araur, La Victoria, San Mateo, in the state of Carabobo.

Having occupied the capital of Venezuela, Caracas, they solemnly proclaimed the 2nd Venezuelan Republic led by Simon Bolivar. However, already next year they had to defend the republic from the Spaniards and local opponents of the revolution. And this time, the forces of the warring parties were unequal - the rebels were defeated by the troops of General Bovez in the battle of La Puerta.

After a new defeat near the town of Santa Marta, the Republican leader had to flee abroad with several of his like-minded people. He ended up on the island of Haiti.

From this island in the center of the Caribbean, Simon Bolivar made several landing expeditions to the northern part of South America, however, the Spanish garrisons on the coast managed to repel all the attempts of the rebels to gain a foothold there.

In December 1816, a rebel army landed on the Venezuelan coast. Now Bolivar had a clear program of military and political action. After the abolition of slavery and the decree on the allocation of land to the soldiers of the Republican army, a wide influx of volunteers into its ranks began.

The decisive battle took place on February 16, 1817 near Barcelona. One of the main reasons for the military successes of the revolutionary rebel forces was that Spain, which was at the opposite end of the Atlantic Ocean, was tormented by serious internal contradictions, and therefore it could not send troops to its American colonies.

In 1819, Simon Bolivar, finding the necessary funds, strengthened his army at the expense of European professional mercenaries, participants in the recently ended anti-Napoleonic wars. A military base was established in Angostur (New Grenada), where rebels were trained.

On August 7, Simon Bolivar defeated the Spanish troops under the command of Colonel Barreiro, who defended the village of Boyac (Boyac). In that battle, the parties had approximately equal strength. The British Legion of Bolivar, consisting of veterans of the anti-Napoleonic wars, was especially distinguished. The Spanish troops were dispersed and were no longer a danger. Three days later, the rebel army, no longer encountering organized resistance on its way, liberated the capital of New Grenada, the city of Bogotá.

On December 17, 1819, Simon Bolivar proclaimed the creation of the Republic of Greater Colombia, which included Venezuela and New Grenada (Colombia), and became its president. But it took him two more years to finally liberate Venezuelan territory from the Spanish troops.

This happened only after winning the battle of Carabobo on June 24, 1821. On that day, Simon Bolivar commanded the 8-thousandth army of Colombian patriots, he was opposed by the royal general de la Torre with 5 thousand Spaniards. Colombians inflicted such a heavy defeat on the enemy that only 400 Spaniards managed to get to nearby Puerto Cabello and take cover there.

Bolivar did not stop there. He already had far-reaching plans. Spain still retained dominance over the vast territory of South America.

In 1822, an army of Latin American rebels under the command of Bolivar and Sucre liberated the city of Quito and the province of the same name, winning the battle of Mount Pichincha, where Spanish governor-general Melchior Aymerich was forced to surrender.

In 1824, the army of Simon Bolivar liberated Peru. This happened after the complete victory of the Latin American rebels over the enemy army at the Battle of Ayacucho on December 7th.

Here, the 7,000th army of Simon Bolivar and General Sucre defeated the 10,000th Spanish army led by Viceroy Jose de la Serna.

Having liberated Peru, Simon Bolivar became the head of the independent Republic of Bolivia, which was formed in Eastern Peru, named after him.

In 1826, a continental congress was held in Panama, at which Bolivar's proposals did not meet with support because of separatist actions and opposition from the United States and Great Britain. Neither Washington nor London wanted to see a strong independent state in Latin America. A personal factor also played a role - the reign of Simon Bolivar was authoritarian, which frightened away possible political allies from him.

Soon after the Panama Congress, Grand Columbia fell apart. In 1827-1828, the power of Bolivar was overthrown in Peru and Bolivia, in the next two years, Venezuela and Ecuador separated from Colombia. A powerful blow for Bolivar was the assassination of his loyal combat associate, General Antonio de Sucre, in which he saw his worthy successor.

All this forced Bolivar to resign from the post of president of Colombia in early 1830. He wanted to go on a voluntary exile to Europe, but in December of that year he died of tuberculosis in the city of Santa Maria.

Used materials from the site http://100top.ru/encyclopedia/

Works:

Selected works. M., 1983.

Сartas del Libertador. Caracas, 1929-1959. V. 1-12.

Obras completas. La Habana, 1950.V. 1-3.

Decretos del Libertador. Caracas, 1961. V. 1-3.

Escritos del Libertador. Caracas, 1964-1983. T. 1-16.Res .:

Literature:

Lavretsky I.R. Bolivar. 3rd ed. M., 1981.

Mapx K. Bolivar-i-Ponte.- Marx K., Engels F. Op. Ed. 2nd. T. 14;

Lavretsky I.R. Bolivar. Ed. 2nd. M., 1966.

Simon Bolivar: history and modernity. M., 1985.

Masur G. Simon Bolivar. Albuquerque, 1948.

Madariaqa S. de. Bolivar Mexico; Buenos Aires, 1953.V. 1-2.

Mijares A. El Libertador. Caracas, 1969.

Bolivar y Europa en las cronicas, el pensamiento politico y la historioqrafia. Caracas, 1986-1995. V. 1-3.

Simon was born July 24, 1783 in the noble Creole family of Juan Vincent Bolivar (1726-1786) of former Basque origin. The Bolivar family came from the town of La Puebla de Bolivar in Biscay, in Spain, which was then in the Markin district, and with the beginning of colonial life, the family took an active part in the life of Venezuela. The boy lost his parents early. The upbringing and formation of Bolivar's worldview was greatly influenced by his teacher and senior friend, a prominent enlightener, Simon Rodriguez. In 1799, Simon's relatives decided to send him to Spain, in Madrid, away from the hectic Caracas. There Simon Bolivar studied law, then went on a trip to Italy, Switzerland, Germany, England and France. Living in Paris, Bolivar attended the Polytechnic School for some time. In 1805, Bolivar visited the United States of America and here he conceived his plan for the liberation of South America from Spanish rule.

Venezuelan Republic

He took an active part in the overthrow of Spanish rule in Venezuela (April 1810) and its proclamation of an independent republic (1811). In the same year, Bolivar was sent by the revolutionary junta (national assembly) to London to seek support from the British government. The latter, however, preferred to remain neutral. Bolivar left Agent Louis-Lopez Mendes in London to conclude an agreement on behalf of Venezuela for a loan and recruitment of soldiers and returned with a transport of weapons. The Spaniards turned for help to the half-wild inhabitants of the Venezuelan steppes (Llaneros). The war took on the most brutal character. Bolivar decided to answer in the same way, ordering the extermination of all captives. After the defeat of the latter by the Spanish troops, in 1812 he settled in New Granada (now Colombia), where he wrote the “Cartagena Manifesto”, and in early 1813 returned to his homeland. In August 1813, his troops occupied Caracas; the 2nd Venezuelan Republic was created, headed by Bolivar. However, not daring to carry out reforms in the interests of the lower classes, he failed to secure their support and in 1814 was defeated. Forced to seek refuge in Jamaica, in September 1815 he published an open letter there expressing confidence in the imminent liberation of Spanish America.

Columbia Education

Having finally realized the need to free slaves and solve other social problems, Bolivar persuaded Haitian President A. Petion to provide military assistance to the rebels and landed on the coast of Venezuela in December 1816. The abolition of slavery (1816) and the decree issued in 1817 on the allotment of land to soldiers of the liberation army allowed him to expand his social base. After an unsuccessful attempt to gather all the leaders of the revolution around him in order to act according to the general plan, Bolivar, with the help of Brion (the Dutch merchant), captured Angostura in May 1817 and raised all of Guiana against Spain. Then Bolivar ordered the arrest of his former associates Piar and Marino (the first was executed on October 16, 1817). In February 1818, thanks to the sending of soldiers from London, he managed to form a new army. Following the successful operations in Venezuela, his troops liberated New Granada in 1819. In December 1819, he was elected President of the proclaimed National Congress of Angostura (now Ciudad Bolivar) of the Republic of Colombia, which included Venezuela and New Granada. In 1822, Colombians expelled Spanish forces from the province of Quito (now Ecuador), which joined Colombia.

Liberation of South America

On June 24, 1821, near the settlement of Carabobo in Venezuela, the volunteer army of Simon Bolivar dealt a crushing defeat to the Spanish royal army. In July 1822, Bolivar met in Guayaquil with José de San Martín, whose army had already liberated part of Peru, but failed to agree with him on joint actions. After the resignation of San Martin (September 20, 1822), he sent Colombian units to Peru in 1823, and the last Spanish forces on the American continent were defeated in 1824 (on August 6 at Hunin and on December 9 on the Ayacucho plain). Venezuela, which declared independence in 1811, was completely freed from the colonialists only by 1824. Bolivar, who became the dictator of Peru in February 1824, also headed the Republic of Bolivia, which was named in his honor in 1825 in the territory of Upper Peru.

The collapse of the Colombian Federation

According to the plan of Bolivar, the Southern United States was formed (Sur de Estados Unidos), which were to include Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, La Plata and Chile. June 22, 1826, Bolivar convened a congress in Panama from representatives of all these states, which, however, soon collapsed.

Soon after the Bolivar project became widely known, he was accused of wanting to create an empire under his rule, where he would play the role of Napoleon. In Colombia, party strife began. Some deputies, led by General Paes, proclaimed autonomy, while others wanted to adopt the Bolivian Code.

Bolivar quickly arrived in Colombia and, assuming dictatorial powers, convened a national assembly on March 2, 1828 in Ocana to discuss the question: “Should the state’s constitution be transformed?” Congress could not reach a final agreement and closed after several meetings.

Meanwhile, the Peruvians rejected the Bolivian Code and robbed Bolivar of the title of president for life. Having lost power in Peru and Bolivia, Bolivar entered Bogotá on June 20, 1828, where he established his residence as ruler of Colombia. But already on September 25, 1828, the federalists broke into his palace, killed the sentries, Bolivar himself was saved only by a miracle. However, the bulk of the population came out on his side, and this allowed Bolivar to crush the rebellion led by Vice President Santander. The head of the conspirators was initially sentenced to death, and then expelled from the country along with 70 of his supporters.

The following year, anarchy intensified. On November 25, 1829, in Caracas itself, 486 noble citizens proclaimed the separation of Venezuela from Colombia. Bolivar, whose business was finally crumbling, gradually lost all influence and power.

In a note he submitted to Congress, convened in Bogota in January 1830 to reform the Colombian government, Bolivar complained of unfair accusations against him from Europe and America.

At the beginning of 1830 he resigned and soon died near the Colombian city of Santa Marta on December 17, 1830. Before his death, Bolivar abandoned his lands, houses and even a state pension and spent whole days contemplating the scenic landscapes of the local “snowy mountains” from the window - Sierra - Nevada.

In 2010, Bolivar's body was exhumed by order of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in order to establish the causes of his death. For the new burial, Chavez introduced a new coffin made of mahogany and inlaid with diamonds, pearls and gold stars ..

Criticism

The United States, as a young state that recently became sovereign, was interested in expanding its territories and areas of influence. However, the path to this goal was blocked by French and Spanish colonial possessions. If the issue was resolved with Louisiana by purchase (1803), then the situation with the Spanish Vice-Kingdoms was much more complicated. However, Washington found a way to solve this problem. The United States began to actively disseminate the ideas of the American Revolution among young representatives of the aristocracy, dissatisfied with their unfair positions in the colonies. One of which was Bolivar. The states actively helped with the necessary resources for the "noble" goals of liberating the Spanish colonies from the mother country. Soon, England, which had its own interests, joined this process. Liberation movements rapidly grew into fierce hostilities between representatives of one nation, split into supporters of the monarchy and republicans. The lack of new weapons stimulated both sides to their purchases from Britain and the United States. The collapse of the Vice-kingdoms into small state formations began. The civil war led to a sharp depletion of the regions, loss of life, epidemics, famine, constant rebellion and coup d'etat. This dealt a severe blow to the development of the regions and contributed to the beginning of the English and American interventions. In many ways, the fiery revolutionaries themselves are responsible for these processes: Simon Bolivar and Jose de San Martin, who fought fiercely and actively promoted their plans. However, they could not or did not want to defend the integrity of the young states and prevent the expansion of the Great Powers in Latin America, preferring to move away from politics in recent years.

Bolivarian

In Latin America, the name Bolivar is very popular. It is immortalized in the names of the state of Bolivia, provinces, cities, streets, monetary units (Boliviano - Bolivia, Bolivar - Venezuela), with the help of numerous monuments. Biographical essays, works of art, historical works are devoted to him. Bolivia's strongest football club is called Bolivar.

Since 1822, a faithful friend and inseparable companion of Bolivar's life, despite all the vicissitudes of his fate, was a native of the city of Quito, the Creole Manuel Saens.

According to unofficial data, Simon Bolivar won 472 battles.

Bolivar is the main character in the novel of the Colombian writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez "General in his maze." Events develop in the last year of the general’s life. The biographies of Bolivar were written by Emil Ludwig, the Ukrainian classic Ivan Franko. Karl Marx gave a negative description of the Liberator, in one of the articles. Therefore, in Soviet literature, Bolivar has long been characterized as a dictator expressing the interests of the bourgeoisie and landowners. The famous scout and Latin Americanist Joseph Romualdovich Grigulevich decided to break with this tradition by writing under the pseudonym Lavretsky a biography of Bolivar for the ZhZL series. For his work, Grigulevich was awarded the Venezuelan Order of Miranda, admitted to the Colombian Association of Writers.

Bolivar in Freemasonry

It is known that the initiation into Freemasonry Bolivar took place in Spain, in Cadiz. Since 1807, he was a member of the Scottish Charter. In 1824, in Peru, he established the Order and Freedom Box No. 2.

BOLIVAR, SIMON(Bolívar, Simon) (1783–1830), statesman, one of the leaders of the War of Independence of the Spanish Colonies in South America. Born July 24, 1783 in Caracas in a noble family. In 1799 he went to Spain to complete his education; five years later, he watched the coronation ceremony of Napoleon in Paris. Leaving Paris, Bolivar, together with his mentor Simon Rodriguez, traveled to Italy.

In 1810, after the occupation of Spain by Napoleonic troops, Bolivar returned to his homeland and, together with F. Miranda, formed armed detachments, soon defeated by the Spaniards. July 31, 1812 Miranda signed an act of surrender, after which he was imprisoned. Bolivar fled to New Granada (modern Colombia), which declared independence. A new military campaign in Venezuela ended on August 6, 1813 with a triumphant entry into Caracas. Popular among the people and in the circles of the Creole aristocracy, Bolivar was showered with honors and received the title of Liberator of Venezuela. In 1814, after the restoration of Ferdinand VII, the Spaniards regained power in Venezuela. Bolivar left the country, traveling first to Curacao and then to New Granada. Here, on behalf of Congress, he defeated the “unitary republic” of Kundinamark and founded the party of federalists. In May 1815, resigned and settled in Jamaica.

Having formed a small detachment of volunteers in Haiti, Bolivar landed on the Venezuelan coast on January 1, 1817. This time he waged war on the plains north of Orinoco, where he was supported by the Llanero partisans. Having gained a number of victories over the Spaniards, he was elected commander in chief of the liberation army. He reorganized the army, crossed the Andes to New Granada, and defeated the Spaniards at the Battle of Boyac on August 7, 1819. The Congress of Patriotic Forces, convened in Angostur in December 1819, proclaimed the Republic of Greater Colombia, which included Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador, and elected Bolivar as president. The liberation of Venezuela ended after the Battle of Carabobo in June 1821, and by July 1922 Bolivar and General Antonio José de Sucre liberated Ecuador.

While Bolivar liberated the north, Argentinean general José de San Martin fought with the Spaniards in the south. San Martin defeated the Spaniards in Chile and successfully advanced to the capital of Peru, Lima. On July 26 and 27, 1822, the famous Guayaquil rendezvous took place. After this meeting, San Martin left Peru and left political activity, and Bolivar got the honorable mission to end the War of Independence. The armies of Bolivar and Sucre invaded Peru and in 1824 defeated the Spanish troops in the battles of Junin and Ayacucho. In 1825, Sucre completed the rout of the Spaniards in Upper Peru (now Bolivia).

Bolivar's political views were embodied in the Constitution of Upper Peru, adopted on May 16, 1825, which was renamed in his honor the Republic of Bolivia. The constitution provided for the election of a president and four legislative chambers, and introduced an electoral and administrative system that soon proved to be bankrupt. On the initiative of Bolivar, the Continental Congress was convened in Panama (June 22 - July 25, 1826), which was attended only by representatives of Colombia, Peru, Mexico and Central America and none of whose decisions were ratified by the national parliaments. Controversy soon began in the government of Great Colombia. In November 1826, Bolivar arrived in Bogota, and at the beginning of 1827, after a five-year absence, he returned to Caracas to suppress the anti-government rebellion. In September 1828 he announced the holding of constituent assembly elections, which began work in April next year.

Bolivar’s desire to approve constitutional amendments to strengthen and centralize power came up against fierce resistance from Colombian Vice President Francisco de Santander and his federalist supporters. Convinced of the impossibility of achieving the goal by legal means, Bolivar carried out a coup d'etat, which, however, could no longer stop the collapse of Greater Colombia. In January 1830, he resigned, a few months later, again took up the presidency, and on April 27, 1830, completely retired from political activity. Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador stood out as independent states. Bolivar went to Cartagena with the intention of emigrating to Jamaica or to Europe. Bolivar died near Santa Marti (Colombia) on December 17, 1830.

At the turn of the 18th – 19th centuries, the world was changing rapidly. The time of absolutism was passing away, the Revolution was menacingly knocking at the gilded gates of the royal chambers.

An orphan and widower devoted himself to the struggle

Such a time always gives birth to heroes - personalities who become at the head of the raging elements, transforming the revolutionary energy of the masses into a force that transforms the foundations of the existence of entire continents.

In the history of South America, such a hero was destined to become Simon Bolivar.

The future revolutionary general was born into a noble Creole family of Basque origin in Caracas on July 24, 1783. His father was one of the richest people in the captain general of Venezuela.

Simon never went to school - he studied educators Andres Belloand Simon Rodriguez, a prominent South American enlightener.

Young Simon lost his parents and sister early, and his family decided to protect him from political passions flaring up in Caracas, sending him to Europe in 1799.

However, Simon Bolivar could well not be what he became. In 1801, he married and intended to return to Venezuela in order to deal with the management of the property inherited from his parents. But in 1802, Bolivar's young wife suddenly died of yellow fever, and the heartbroken young man remained in Europe.

Simon Bolivar made his final choice of his future fate on August 15, 1805, when on the hill of Monte Sacro in Rome he vowed to rid his homeland of Spanish rule.

Junta ambassador

The time for this came in 1808, when Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Spain, captured the king and seated his protege on the throne.

In Venezuela, the Patriotic Junta was formed, which initially supported the old king, but soon declared her desire for state independence. The junta made Simon Bolivar her ambassador to the United States, where he had to deal with the purchase of weapons, the search for volunteers and allies in the struggle for independence.

Having traveled to the United States, which themselves gained independence only a quarter century ago, Bolivar begins to dream of a new state system for the Spanish colonies of South America - the Southern United States, created on principles similar to those that became the basis of the United States.

In 1810, the Venezuelan Congress is held in Caracas, which officially declares independence from Spain and proclaims the republic.

Spain sent a professional army against the rioters, which was especially tough not only to the rebels, but also to the civilian population. Simon Bolivar and his associate Francisco de Miranda led rebel groups that were unable to withstand the regular army and were defeated. Miranda was captured and died in prison, and Bolivar fled to New Granada (modern Colombia), where he took refuge from persecution.

Simon Bolivar. Photo: www.globallookpress.com

Victories and defeats

In his struggle, Bolivar was very useful for his father’s rich inheritance - it is much easier to arm and form military units when there is enough money.

In 1813, Bolivar, with a detachment of 500 people, set out from New Granada on a campaign against the Spaniards. Military talent and healthy audacity bring success - in August 1813 he liberated Caracas, where the 2nd Venezuelan Republic was proclaimed, and Bolivar himself received the title of Liberator.

Spain was not going to give up - the 10,000-strong army corps, which was supported by detachments loyal to the Spanish crown of the landowners, opposed Bolivar.

The war is becoming increasingly fierce, blood is pouring in, and the forces of Bolivar’s fighters are melting. In the end, the republic fell, and Bolivar fled to Jamaica. After this defeat, he writes “Appeal to the Nations of the World”, in which he exposes the crimes of Spanish soldiers, reiterates that the peoples of South America will gain independence.

In 1814, Bolivar began to seek support from the most progressive state in the region - the Republic of Haiti. For those who know only the modern history of Haiti, this may seem incredible, but it was in Haiti that slavery was abolished for the first time in the region.

Haitian President Alexander Petionagreed to help Bolivar in exchange for a promise to abolish slavery in Venezuela.

Bolivar begins to create a liberation army, uniting all anti-colonial forces under his command, but he was not able to fully streamline the "partisan freemen". But in the ranks of his army, in addition to local fighters, a corps of European volunteers appears, which was joined by representatives of different nations, including Russians.

Venezuela. Caracas. Portrait of Simon Bolivar on the ceiling of the National Pantheon. Photo: www.globallookpress.com

Thunderstorm spanish crown

In December 1816, the Bolivar army landed on the continent. The rebels are prepared not only militarily, but also ideologically - their leader proclaims the abolition of slavery, which leads most of the Venezuelans to their side. However, Bolivar did not stop there - he announces the allotment of land for the soldiers of his army, as well as the confiscation of the property of the Spanish crown and its supporters. The war takes on a revolutionary character in the full sense of the word.

Bolivar’s army operates in difficult conditions, making throws through the mountains and the jungle, and, despite all the difficulties, wins victory after victory. The general does not lose sight of his comrades-in-arms - persons suspected of treason are executed without pity.

By February 1819, the revolutionary army expelled the Spaniards from Venezuela and New Granada, and in the city of Angostur, Bolivar gathered the National Congress of Representatives of the Liberated Provinces, at which the independence of Venezuela was finally declared.

The Bolivar Liberator is becoming insanely popular not only in South America, but throughout the world. But the general intends to move on - in August 1819 the country's Constitution was adopted, and in December of that year he became president of the proclaimed National Congress of Greater Colombia, which includes Venezuela and New Granada. In 1822, after a series of military successes, the Bolivar army liberated Ecuador, which is also part of the new state.

Greater Columbia is a prototype of the southern United States that Bolivar dreamed of. It’s time to take up the state system, but the military threat has not been removed - the 20,000-strong Spanish army continues to operate in Peru.

The war continues until December 9, 1824 at the Battle of Ayacucho, the revolutionary army under the command of a young ally of Bolivar General Sucre not inflicting a final defeat on the Spaniards, ending their dominion in South America.

Bolivar, remaining president of Greater Colombia, in 1824 became the dictator of Peru, and in 1825 the president of the new state created in Upper Peru - the Republic of Bolivia, named after its liberator.

The collapse of great designs

In 1826, Bolivar intends to complete the main work of life - to finalize the creation of the Southern United States, which should join Peru, Bolivia, Greater Colombia, La Plata, Chile and other territories.

However, at the Latin American Congress in Panama, the Liberator did not find support. Moreover, his educational ideas and concern for the poor began to annoy the representatives of the wealthy. They begin to compare him with Napoleon, accused of trying to create his own empire in South America.

Bolivar, which freed the continent from the Spaniards, ceased to be needed by local elites who preferred not to build a single democratic state, but to divide and rule.

In 1827, Peru deprives Bolivar of power, announcing his refusal to participate in any alliance. In Colombia, a conspiracy was organized against Bolivar in 1828, and the general miraculously managed to escape. The support of the people allows us to suppress the conspiracy, but the general is no longer able to stop the collapse of Great Colombia: in January 1829, Caracas announced the separation of the homeland of Bolivar - Venezuela.

On May 4, 1830, Bolivar, disappointed with the results of his activities, resigned as president of Great Columbia. In just a few months, this state finally ceases to exist.

In June 1830, Bolivar received the final blow - his closest comrade-in-arms, 35-year-old hero of the Battle of Ayacucho, General Sucre, was killed by unknown people.

Simon Bolivar writes his political testament, discussing the fair principles of government, as well as what qualities the head of state should have. Having abandoned his possessions and state pension, Simon Bolivar intended to recover in voluntary exile, but did not have time - he was struck by consumption.

Having survived hundreds of bloody battles, the general this time had neither the strength nor the desire to resist the disease. The Liberator of South America Simon Bolivar died on December 17, 1830 at the age of 47 years.

Bolivar remains one of South America's most popular heroes, along with Ernesto Che Guevara.

In May 2013, the opening of the mausoleum took place in Caracas, in which the remains of the great military leader and politician are now buried. The mausoleum was built on the initiative, which did not live a couple of months before the implementation of its plan.

The storm of tyrants, the legendary liberator of Latin America in the 21st century, becomes an instrument of tyranny in the homeland. This time the tyranny of popularity.

In the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in the city of Ciudad Bolivar, on Bolivar Street, portraits of Bolivar are sold at the monument to Bolivar. Inexpensive - bolivar for three. In the capital of the country, Caracas, there are three sacred places: the house where Bolivar was born and raised, the National Pantheon, where his remains lie, the presidential palace, where one chair is always empty at government meetings.

President Hugo Chavez says this chair is occupied by the ghost of Simon Bolivar. Without him, Chavez would have been an ordinary dictator-populist, but in the person of Bolivar he found for his regime roots in the past and prospects for the future. “Bolivarian socialism” is a unique construction. To create such a thing, you need to find in your own story a morally flawless person who, while in power, has done a lot of good. And declare that you will do everything like him. An angel at the government helm is a rare phenomenon, so with Bolivar Chavez was no less fortunate than with oil.

Simon Bolivar (1783-1830) - the national hero of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Bolivia and Peru. When these countries were colonies of Spain, Bolivar led the struggle for independence and won. He went down in history as the Liberator and is revered throughout Latin America.

Bolivar was born into a family of wealthy Basques; he had plantations on which 2,000 slaves worked. Simon early left an orphan, and his tutor was a freethinker. On horseback rides, he told Bolivar about Russo and Voltaire, insisted on the vileness of tyranny and on the responsibility that the rich and enlightened bear for the whole society. These thoughts sunk into the boy’s soul.

After studying at the military academy in Caracas, Bolivar went to Europe to continue his education. Most attracted to France - the country that executed the tyrant king and gave birth to General Bonaparte. Bolivar came to Paris and saw his idol putting an imperial crown on his head and becoming Napoleon I. The young man wrote: “For me he is no longer a hero, but a hypocritical tyrant!” But almost all the Frenchmen cried with emotion during the ceremony. “How great is the influence of a celebrity!” Bolivar remarked at the same time. “If you are popular, everyone will forgive you” - this is the principle that he soon formulated. Bolivar himself did not use it, and Hugo Chavez adopted the maxim for service.

Napoleon decided the fate of Simon Bolivar by attacking Spain. The colonies refused to feed the weakened metropolis and declared independence. At home, Bolivar was one of the few educated people with military training. He led the rebel army, recruited a foreign legion in England, and after a long war managed to achieve independence. Bolivar became president of Greater Colombia, a federation of future Colombia, Venezuela, Panama and Ecuador, and, in combination, neighboring Peru and Bolivia, a country named after him.

Having risen at the head of Great Colombia, the Liberator was in a difficult situation: the deputies appointed by him wanted to rule independently, each in his own field. And for this it was necessary to get rid of the president. It is not known how things would turn out with the firmness and decisiveness of Bolivar, if not for love.

It all began in Quito on June 16, 1822, when the army of Simon Bolivar triumphantly entered the city. Ahead, the Liberator himself rode on a white horse in full dress uniform. And he remembered the balcony from which the beautiful mulatto threw him a laurel wreath. She was 22 years old, her name was Manuela (Manuelita) Saens, she was the wife of a wealthy elderly doctor. Even when Bolivar became president, Manuelita did not divorce her husband - she just forgot him. A young energetic woman became the eyes of Bolivar. During the day, she traveled around the capital of Great Colombia - Bogotá - on a ragged horse, and at night she guarded her friend's dream.

On the night of September 25, 1828, Manuelita heard the shooting, woke Bolivar and ordered him to get dressed and jump out the window. The conspirators burst into the bedroom, stabbing at the door of faithful adjutant Ferguson. They put a knife to Manuela's throat and tried to find out where Bolivar had gone. She calmly replied: "Probably at some meeting." The murderers lost time, they were captured and shot, but after the execution members of the government and senators turned their backs on Bolivar. After conferring with Manuelita, the Liberator resigned. With tears in his eyes, he said in parliament: “Independence is the only thing we have achieved. At the cost of everything else. ” And retired into exile. Eight months later, he burned out from miliary tuberculosis. Manuelita did not return to her husband. She wandered and lived in poverty for another 26 years, selling tobacco and jam of her own manufacture in the Peruvian port of Paita. She had four curs that bore the names of the presidents of Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and Ecuador, the treacherous friends of the Liberator, who breathed a sigh of relief after his death.

This story inspired Gabriel García Márquez to create the novel General in his Maze (1989). Although the book turned out about the collapse of all illusions, Chavez announces it as his favorite work and recommends everyone to read it. Imagine Stalin, who recommends a book about Krupskaya, who faithfully takes care of the dying and disappointed Lenin in Gorki! But the Venezuelan president is building “Bolivarian socialism,” which means without lies, because Bolivar never lied. And what's the point of banning literary works or lying in the age of the Internet? Yes, and on the Internet in any forum you will not find criticism of Bolivar - his reputation is impeccable.

The personality cult of Simon Bolivar began in Venezuela back in 1842. The once-betraying Liberator ally, the President of Venezuela, General José Antonio Paez (his name was given to Manuelita by the nastiest cur), realized the importance of heroizing the past. The remains of the Liberator were transported from Colombia, where he died, to his native Caracas and buried in the cathedral, which in 1876 was transformed into the National Pantheon of Venezuela. And in 1879, the national currency of Venezuela was called "bolivar". All subsequent presidents expressed admiration for Bolivar and even referred to his political views in justification of their dictatorial ways. But Chavez went to the next level: he announced that 170 years after the death of the Liberator, the oligarchs usurped power and took over all the wealth of the country, while the people ate banana peels, and now Bolivar is in power again - he is sitting in the government. Bolivar is popular, and part of its popularity goes to Chavez, who is Bolivar Today.

Bolivar's Testament

In 1815, Simon Bolivar wrote an article that Chavez made his program. According to Bolivar, the federal system, as in the United States, or the English constitutional monarchy, require "virtues and political talents that are far superior to ours." In South America, democracy can only lead to "demagogic anarchy" or "sovereign tyranny." We need a republic with the big powers of a life-long president who chooses a successor for himself. And also the parliament, where seats in the upper house are inherited, as in England. This parliament passes laws and removes the president from office if he is unable to fulfill his duties. In parliament, Bolivar saw two parties: conservatives and reformers. The former are more numerous, while the latter are brighter, and they balance each other. The President, with an eye on both parties, acts in the interests of the people.