THE BEGINNINGSimon José Antonio de la Santisima Trinidad Bolivar was born in Caracas on July 24, 1783 to don Juan Vicente Bolivar y Ponte and dona Maria de la Concepcion Palacios y Blanco. Simon received an excellent education from his tutors, Simon Rodriquez and Andres Bello. At the age of nine, Bolivar lost both his parents and was taken into the care of his uncle Don Carlos Palacios. At the age of fifteen, in 1799, he went to Spain to receive a better education. In Spain, Bolivar met Maria Teresa Rodriquez del Toro y Alaysa, they married in 1802. Just after Bolivar and his new wife returned to Venezuela, she died of malaria or yellow fever. Her death greatly affected Bolivar, he vowed never to marry again and became a political and military figure. In Europe, Napoleon Bonaparte was the Emperor of France and was crowned King of Italy. In 1808, Napoleon conquered Spain and chose his brother Joseph as king of Spain. This caused a large revolt in Spain known as the Peninsular Wars. In Spain, many small groups were formed to fight against the new king. On the other hand, in South America, groups were formed to fight against the King of Spain and Joseph Bonaparte. That year, Bolivar's hometown of Caracas declared independence from Spain. RETURN TO SOUTH AMERICA In 1808, Bolivar, Bello and Mendez were sent to England on a diplomatic mission. It was a failed attempt to form an alliance. He returned to Venezuela in 1811...