IELTS Reading – History: Historical Figures 4

– Simón Bolívar –

Simón Bolívar, often referred to as “El Libertador”, stands as one of the most eminent figures in South American history. Born in 1783 in Caracas, Venezuela, he embarked on a mission that would forever alter the trajectory of the continent. From a young age, Bolívar was deeply influenced by the Enlightenment thinkers, which ignited his fervent desire for independence and liberation from Spanish colonial rule.

Bolívar’s military campaigns spanned over a decade and covered a territory twice the size of Alexander the Great’s empire. Through a combination of strategic acumen and unyielding determination, he played a pivotal role in the emancipation of present-day Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia – a country named in his honor.

His vision extended beyond military conquests; he dreamed of a united South America, bound by shared ideals and mutual respect. Though regional disputes and political rivalries thwarted this ambition, Bolívar’s legacy as a champion of independence and unity remains indelible in the annals of South American history.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO words from the text for each answer.

Simón Bolívar is often hailed as “El Libertador” and is a prominent figure in South American ______.
From a tender age, Bolívar was greatly influenced by the ideas of the ______ thinkers.
His military campaigns were extensive and covered an expanse double the size of Alexander the Great’s ______.
Bolívar played a crucial role in the liberation of several countries from Spanish ______.
Beyond warfare, he envisioned a ______ South America, united by shared values and mutual understanding.
Though his dream of unity faced challenges from local conflicts and political ______, his impact remains unforgettable.

Choose NO MORE THAN ONE word from the text for each answer.

Simón Bolívar, esteemed as a monumental figure in the South American chronicles, was profoundly shaped by Enlightenment ______ from his early years. This influence galvanized his passion to liberate nations from the shackles of Spanish ______. His military feats, extending across vast ______, facilitated the freedom of numerous territories, including the state subsequently christened after him. Bolívar harbored aspirations for a cohesive and ______ South America, though regional tensions and ______ impeded this dream. Yet, his imprint on the continent’s history is undeniably profound.

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