Pablo Simon Bolivar was a Venezuelan military and political leader born on July 24, 1783. He played a crucial role in the independence movements of several South American countries, including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Known as "El Libertador," he aimed to unite these nations into a single entity called Gran Colombia. Bolivar's efforts were marked by numerous battles against Spanish colonial rule, and he became a symbol of freedom and democracy in Latin America. He died on December 17, 1830, but his legacy continues to inspire movements for independence and social justice across the region.