Chapter 85

AI, GOOD ANECDOTES OF THE LIBERATOR SIMON BOLIVAR

Simón Bolívar, known as "El Libertador" (The Liberator), is a central figure in the history of Latin America, due to his role in the independence of several South American countries. These anecdotes offer a more complete view of Simón Bolívar's life and legacy, showing both his triumphs and his challenges. His story is rich with dramatic and decisive moments that shaped the destiny of several countries and left an indelible mark on the history of Latin America.

The Escape from Santa Marta : In 1815, Bolívar took refuge in the city of Santa Marta, Colombia, after a series of military defeats. While there, he received news that Spanish forces were approaching to capture him. With courage and determination, Bolívar organized a nighttime escape in a small boat, managing to escape to Haiti, where he sought support to continue the fight for independence.

The Jamaica Letter : During his exile in Jamaica in 1815, Bolívar wrote a letter to a British merchant, known as "The Jamaica Letter." In this document, Bolívar set out his vision of a free and united Latin America. The letter is a fundamental piece in the history of independence and shows the depth of his thought and his commitment to the cause.

The Angostura Speech : On February 15, 1819, Bolívar gave a speech before the Congress of Angostura, in which he outlined his ideas for the political organization of the new independent states. In this speech, Bolívar advocated for the separation of powers, public education, and the abolition of slavery. This event marked a crucial moment in the formation of Gran Colombia.

The Battle of Boyacá : One of the highlights of the independence campaign was the Battle of Boyacá, fought on August 7, 1819. Bolívar led patriot forces in a decisive victory against the Spanish army. This battle secured the independence of New Granada (present-day Colombia) and was a turning point in the struggle for the liberation of South America.

The Crossing of the Andes : In an impressive feat, Bolívar and his army crossed the Andes in 1819 to surprise royalist forces in New Granada. The crossing was extremely difficult due to the weather conditions and inhospitable terrain. However, Bolívar and his men managed to reach their destination, where they achieved important victories that paved the way for independence.

Meeting with San Martin in Guayaquil : In July 1822, Bolívar met with General José de San Martín in Guayaquil. This meeting between the two great liberators of South America was crucial in coordinating their efforts in the fight for independence. Although the exact details of their conversations are not known, it is known that San Martín decided to withdraw, leaving Bolívar as the main leader of the independence movement.

The Battle of Carabobo : On June 24, 1821, Bolívar led patriotic forces in the Battle of Carabobo, one of the most important battles in Venezuela's war of independence. Victory in this battle was crucial to securing Venezuela's independence. Bolívar demonstrated his military skill and leadership, coordinating strategic attacks that demoralized the royalist army.

The assassination attempt in Bogotá : In 1828, Bolívar survived an assassination attempt known as the "Septembrina Conspiracy" in Bogotá. A group of conspirators, dissatisfied with his government, tried to kill him while he slept in the San Carlos Palace. Bolívar escaped thanks to the bravery of his lover, Manuelita Sáenz, who helped him out through a window. This event further cemented his legend and the loyalty of his followers.

The creation of Bolivia : In 1825, Bolívar founded the Republic of Bolivia, which is named after him in honor of his efforts for independence. He worked on drafting the Bolivian Constitution, implementing his ideas of government and social justice. Although Bolivia went through many challenges in its early years, the founding of the republic was a testament to Bolívar's dream of a united and free Latin America.

The Oath on the Holy Mountain : In 1805, while in Rome, Bolívar took a solemn oath on the Holy Mountain to dedicate his life to the liberation of America from Spanish rule. Accompanied by his mentor Simón Rodríguez, Bolívar promised not to rest until he saw the country free of him. This moment of personal commitment is considered one of the most emblematic in his life and in the history of Latin American independence.

The Battle of Junín and Ayacucho : Bolívar played a crucial role in the victories of Junín (6 August 1824) and Ayacucho (9 December 1824) in Peru. These battles were decisive in securing Peru's independence and sealing the fate of Spanish rule in South America. Bolívar delegated the leadership of Ayacucho to his lieutenant, General Antonio José de Sucre, who carried out a brilliant campaign.

The Decree of War to the Death : In 1813, Bolívar issued the Decree of War to the Death in the city of Trujillo, Venezuela, in response to the atrocities committed by royalist forces. The decree promised death to Spaniards who did not support independence, but forgiveness to Americans who joined the patriot cause. This decree, although controversial, showed Bolívar's determination and his willingness to take extreme measures to achieve independence.

The Conference of Panama : In 1826, Bolívar convened the Conference of Panama with the objective of uniting the new Latin American republics into a federation. Although the conference did not achieve all of its objectives and faced various difficulties, it represented a visionary effort to consolidate independence and foster regional cooperation.

"The General in His Labyrinth" is a novel by Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez, published in 1989. The work is a fictionalized biography of the liberator Simón Bolívar, the famous South American revolutionary leader who played a crucial role in the independence of several Latin American countries from Spanish rule.

The story focuses on the last months of Bolívar's life in 1830, as he makes his final voyage down the Magdalena River in Colombia, hoping to embark for Europe. During this journey, Bolívar, physically and emotionally weakened, reflects on his life, his achievements and failures, as well as the difficult political and social realities of the nations he helped liberate.

Main topics

Decline and Disillusionment : Bolívar, once a powerful and admired man, is confronted with the fragility of his ailing body and the disintegration of his dream of a united Latin America. The novel explores the contrast between his past glory and his decadent present.

Memory and reflection : Throughout the trip, Bolívar remembers key episodes of his life and his fight for independence. The narrative unfolds through his memories and reflections, providing a deep insight into his mind and his emotions.

Mortality and legacy : The proximity of death prompts Bolívar to question his legacy and the real impact of his actions. The novel addresses the inevitable reality of mortality and the search for meaning in one's actions.

Magical Realism – Although the novel is more historical and realistic compared to García Márquez's other works, it is not completely devoid of the magical and poetic elements that characterize his style.

García Márquez uses rich, detailed prose to weave a narrative that mixes historical facts with fictional elements. The work is written in the third person, which allows the author to offer an omniscient perspective on Bolívar and the characters around him. The style is evocative, with vivid descriptions and a rhythm that reflects the melancholic tone of the story.

Impact and reception

"The General in His Labyrinth" was received with praise for its humanized portrait of a historical hero. García Márquez challenges the idealization of Bolívar, presenting him as a complex human being, full of contradictions and vulnerabilities. This depiction generated debate and controversy in some circles, but cemented the author's reputation as a master of historical narrative and magical realism.

Conclusion

"The General in His Labyrinth" is a profound and moving work that offers an introspective look at the final days of one of the most influential figures in Latin American history. Through this novel, Gabriel García Márquez not only pays homage to Simón Bolívar, but also reflects on the nature of power, glory and decadence. 

Bolívar resigned the presidency in 1830, disillusioned by the divisions and internal conflicts in the new republics. He undertook his last journey into voluntary exile, but his deteriorating health took him to Santa Marta, Colombia, where he died on December 17, 1830. His last words reflected his sadness at not having seen his dream of a united Latin America come true: " I have plowed in the sea!"

Relationship with Manuelita Sáenz : Bolívar's relationship with Manuelita Sáenz, known as "The Liberator's Liberator," was both personal and political. Manuelita was not only his lover but also a brave defender of the independence cause. She participated in several battles and played a crucial role in saving Bolívar's life during the assassination attempt in Bogotá. Their relationship is a testament to the impact of women in the struggle for independence.