Simón Bolívar’s Travels and Transformation in Europe
How were Bolívar’s travels in general?
During his first trip, Bolívar met María Teresa Rodríguez del Toro, whom he married after fulfilling numerous requirements, including the King’s permission. After their marriage in 1802, his wife returned to Venezuela and died eight months later from a serious illness. This left Bolívar alone and deeply sorrowful. He also learned about Mexico and Cuba in Spain and France.
His second trip was a distraction from his early widowhood, lasting three years, during which he spent a large fortune. This second voyage revealed a different side compared to the first trip. Here, his interest was clearly political, focusing on the management of state assets and the welfare of his country. He paid special attention to the influence and veneration that Napoleon had over the French people during those glorious days. From France, Bolívar went to Italy, and in Rome, surrounded by memories of the Republican era, his conviction solidified that he must fight for the freedom of the American people, a task he would perform from then on. This culminated in Monte Sacro and the final oath. The learning journey with Rodríguez included visits to Spain, England, France, Portugal, Italy, and parts of Australia and Germany. Upon his return, he landed in the U.S.
The third trip to Europe involved serving as a diplomat to Great Britain, representing one of the first Venezuelan embassies. Bolívar had the opportunity to enjoy a calm English life and felt a special admiration for the English people, respecting their stability, dignity, wisdom, and practicality, which made a vivid impression on him. At the beginning of 1799, he traveled to Spain. In Madrid, under the guidance of his uncles Stephen and Peter Parker and the moral and intellectual direction of Marquis Ustariz, he dedicated himself to his studies. Bolívar found many friends in Paris, meeting other young Creoles and Americans, such as the Ecuadorians Montúfar and Vicente Rocafuerte, and reuniting with his beloved teacher Simón Rodríguez.
Cartagena Manifesto
This document narrates Bolívar’s perspective on the events in Venezuela and criticizes the shortcomings, helping other republics seeking independence to learn from Venezuela’s mistakes.
Mount Sacred Oath
“I swear before you, I swear by the God of my parents, I swear by them, upon my honor, and I swear by my country that I will not rest my arm nor my soul until I have broken the chains that oppress us by the will of the Spanish,” Bolívar declared.