Simón Bolívar: Early Life, Fortune, and Role in Colonial Venezuela
Classified in History
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Simón Bolívar: Early Life and Influence
Family and Fortune
During the colonial era, the Bolívar family held significant influence, rewarded with lands and mines in Caracas. Their wealth stemmed from extensive land ownership, slaves, plantations, mills, cattle, and houses. This immense fortune played a crucial role in shaping Simón Bolívar's early life.
Early Life and Education
Simón Bolívar's childhood was marked by comfort and privilege, thanks to his family's wealth. He was known for his intelligence, talent, spontaneity, and a rebellious spirit. His mother, Maria de la Concepcion, suffered from delicate health, leading to Bolívar being raised partly by slaves. Stories like that of "the tyrant Aguirre," recounted by slaves, filled his childhood imagination.
The management of Bolívar's inherited properties fell to a tutor. A dispute arose with the Palacios family concerning Bolívar's residence in his uncle Carlos Palacios's house during the latter's absence. Bolívar resisted, declaring, "You can do with my property what they want, but not me. I cannot deny that living in the house pleases me." This defiance led to him running away from the assigned residence.
Bolívar's Inheritance and Legacy
Upon his death, Bolívar's belongings, including his clothing trunks, remained in Cartagena, Colombia, necessitating a borrowed attire for his burial. His estate was bequeathed to several individuals, including Maria Antonia, Juanta, Juan, Fernando, Felicia, Anacleto (son of Maria Antonia), Jose Palacios, and his butler.
Venezuela's Response to Events in Spain
News from Europe
News of events in Spain reached Venezuela primarily through Andrés Bello's translations of newspaper reports. The arrival of French Commander Paul Lamanon at La Guaira in July, demanding recognition of Joseph Bonaparte, further fueled the situation.
Reaction in Caracas
The people of Caracas vehemently rejected the French commander's presence, proclaiming, "Viva Fernando VII! Napoleon dies with the French!" This demonstrated their unwavering loyalty to the Spanish crown.