Simón Bolívar

Hello. My name is Simón Bolívar. I was born in a beautiful city called Caracas, in Venezuela, on July 24th, 1783. I loved my home, but it wasn't free. A country far across the ocean called Spain ruled over us. When I was a boy, my parents passed away, which was very sad. But I had a wonderful teacher named Simón Rodríguez. He taught me about big ideas like freedom and why it is important for people to be in charge of their own homes and countries.

When I was a teenager, I traveled all the way to Europe to study. I saw how different countries there had their own governments and made their own rules. This made me think a lot about my own home in South America. In the year 1805, while I was visiting a city called Rome, I climbed to the top of a special hill. I looked out at the view and made a very serious promise to myself. I promised that I would not rest until I helped free my homeland from Spanish rule.

That promise became my life's mission. I returned to South America and became a general, leading armies in many brave battles. It was very hard work, but we fought for what we believed in. We helped not just my country of Venezuela, but also Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama become free. It was amazing to see so many people win their independence. A new country was even named Bolivia in my honor. People began to call me 'El Libertador,' which means 'The Liberator.' It was the proudest title I could ever have. My biggest dream was for all these new, free countries to join together like a big, happy family, a nation I called Gran Colombia.

My dream of one giant country didn't last forever, but the most important thing—the freedom of the people—did. I lived to be 47 years old. Today, people all across South America remember me as a hero who fought for their independence. That’s why you can find statues of me and see my name on cities, parks, and even money. I am remembered as El Libertador, the man who helped nations be free.