In this episode of pplpod, we explore the explosive life of Simón Bolívar, the Venezuelan military officer and statesman known colloquially as "El Libertador" and the "George Washington of South America". We trace his journey from a wealthy, orphaned childhood in Caracas to his education in Europe, where the tragic death of his young wife spurred him to swear an oath in Rome to end Spanish rule in the Americas.

Tune in to hear how Bolívar launched the "Admirable Campaign" and the ruthless "War to the Death," eventually crossing the Andes to liberate New Granada and establishing the republic of Gran Colombia. We examine his complex political ideology, which evolved from liberal republicanism to a belief in a strong, central executive to prevent racial division and civil war. Finally, we discuss the collapse of his dream for a unifie ...