ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Simón Bolívar

Simón Bolívar was a man who lived a long time ago, before your great-grandparents were even born. He was a very important person in South America because he helped many countries become free from being ruled by other countries far away.

Simón Bolívar was born in Venezuela in 1783. He grew up with a lot of money and education because his family was very rich. When he was just a young boy, he saw how his country was being ruled by other countries and he didn't like it. He wanted his people to be free and live in their own country without being told what to do by outsiders.

When he grew up, he became a soldier and started fighting for the right of his people to live in their own country without foreigners telling them what to do. He became a leader and helped many countries in South America become free from being ruled by other countries, like Spain. He traveled all over South America fighting with his people against other armies until they finally won their independence.

Simón Bolívar was a great hero in South America because he helped so many people become free. He is remembered today as one of the greatest leaders in the history of South America. Some countries even have him on their money, like Panama and Venezuela.