Simón Bolívar and South American Independence

Vocabulary terms and key historical concepts related to Simón Bolívar's life and the South American struggle for independence as described in the provided text.

Simón Bolívar

A South American leader born in 1783 who devoted his life to the goals of independence and unity for South America from Spanish rule.

Caracas

The birthplace of Simón Bolívar and the modern capital of Venezuela.

Peninsulares

Spaniards born in Spain who dominated the affairs of church and state in the Spanish colonies.

Criollos

American-born Spaniards who resented Spanish control and were influenced by Enlightenment ideals of fairness and equality.

Juntas

Military or political ruling groups that take power by force, which were established in 1808 to oversee local lands until Spain regained authority from France.

The Liberator

A nickname given to Simón Bolívar in recognition of his role in overthrowing the Spanish monarchy in South America.

Congress of Angostura

An ongoing 1819 assembly where colonial delegates planned for Venezuela’s independence and Bolívar argued for a solid central government with effective executive powers.

Gran Colombia

A constitutional union proposed by Bolívar intended to include present-day Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, and Peru.

July 24

The birthday of Simón Bolívar, which is celebrated as a holiday in many Latin American countries.

Jamaica Letter

A primary source document written by Bolívar in 1815 in which he analyzes the struggle for independence and compares the status of South Americans to that of serfs.

1783

The year Simón Bolívar was born in South America, six years before the French Revolution.

1808

The year Napoleon replaced the King of Spain with his brother, prompting South American elites to form juntas.

1819

The year Spain still held Caracas while the Congress of Angostura met to discuss Venezuela's independence and Bolívar's new constitutional plans.