The Revolutionary Americas

Secondary Source #1: The Great Liberators of Spanish AmericaSecondary Source #1: The Great Liberators of Spanish America

The Great Liberators of Spanish America

By 1825, nearly all Spanish American colonies had gained their independence. Two brilliant generals shaped the revolutionary movements for independence. One was Simon Bolivar, who was born into a prosperous Venezuelan family. Because of his family’s wealth, Bolivar was educated in Spain and traveled extensively through Europe. He spent time in London and Paris. These visits influenced his political views about limiting the number of elected officials and the need for a hereditary senate. He was both a prominent military and political leader in Venezuela.

The other general was Jose de San Martin, who was considered a simple and modest man. He was born in Argentina and was educated in Spain as a career military officer. While Bolivar was quite a dashing character, San Martin was seen as a serious and austere figure. He believed in strict military discipline and the welfare of his troops was taken very seriously. Both men were known for their bravery and courage, especially in battle.

In 1811, Venezuela declared independence from Spain. Bolivar raised a volunteer army and used much of his family’s wealth to fund the cause of independence. However, for eight years, Bolivar’s army suffered setbacks and defeat. Twice Bolivar had to go into exile. Finally, in 1819, he led over 2,000 troops over the Andes Mountains into Columbia and captured the Spanish army in Bogota. Two years later, in 1821, he won Venezuela’s independence. Bolivar was given the title of “The Liberator” because of his leadership in the Venezuelan Revolution. Bolivar’s goal was independence for all of South America. He marched south into Ecuador where he met up with Jose de San Martin.

With San Martin’s leadership, Argentina gained its independence in 1816. The Spanish troops in Chile and Peru posed a threat to Argentina’s independence. With the help of troops under the command of Bernardo O’Higgins of Peru, San Martin was able to gain independence for Chile and eliminate the threat to Argentina’s independence. In 1822, San Martin and Bolivar met in Ecuador. Both men needed a larger force to accomplish their mutual goal of driving the Spanish out of Peru. San Martin placed his army under the command of Bolivar. Bolivar finished what San Martin had started and liberated Peru. San Martin sailed to France and lived there until his death in 1850.

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Comparing and Contrasting Primary and Secondary Sources on South American Revolutions and Wars for Independence: Completed Graphic Organizeropens in new window