Simón Bolívar

This popular treatment, in Russian, of the Liberator presents him as a great fighter for freedom with, however, the limitations of his aristocratic origin. In spite of his enthusiasm and devotion, the author states, Bolívar could not achieve real success until he had won the support of the llañeros of Venezuela, the Negro slaves, and the Peruvian Indians. Then the leadership of Bolívar, Sucre, and San Martín, backed by popular forces, won the victories that drove out the Spaniards. After the winning of independence, however, Bolívar parted company with the masses. Wishing to eliminate the influence of Great Britain and the United States, he sought a unified state supported by landowners, churchmen, and bourgeoisie. This brought him into conflict with the Federalists, backed by popular elements, and in the resulting strife his dream of a unified Greater Colombia collapsed. Already a sick man, Bolívar was driven from power and soon died. The author regards him as a real popular hero, although his aristocratic nature drew him away from the people. Although he fought for their goals, his narrow ambition and love of luxury weakened his position and eventually he lost the confidence of his lowly followers. Hence his brilliant and promising career ended in failure.