Simón Bolívar was a revolutionary and a political leader whose courageous battles for Latin self-rule led to the establishment of Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama as independent nations. Today, Bolívar is known as a great hero, and his name graces many institutions and streets across Latin America. This text examines Bolívar's life and influence using primary source documents, photographs, and an examination of the context in which Bolívar fought for Latin American independence. Students will be guided through their reading with a glossary of important words, a timeline, and references for further reading on the topic.