Teresa Perry, age 15, Meridian, Miss., her question:

WHO WAS SIMON BOLIVAR?

Simon Bolivar was the South American soldier and statesman who was the principal leader in the struggle for South American independence from Spain. He is often called the Liberator. He lived from 1783 until 1830.

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, he was educated by private tutors and with study in Spain. While in his 20s in 1810, he joined Francisco Miranda, who led a revolt against the Spanish in Venezuela. The rebels were defeated and Bolivar was forced to flee the country. But in 1812 he led another expedition to Venezuela and captured Caracas. He assumed dictatorship in 1815.

Royalists forces defeated him again in 1814 and he fled to Haiti.

Uniting his forces with European volunteers, Bolivar again invaded Venezuela in 1817. He established a revolutionary government and was elected President.

In 1819 he defeated the Spanish in what is now Colombia. With a vision of a united Spanish America, he helped secure independence in 1822 for the territory that is now Ecuador and in 1824 led the revolutionary forces of Peru.

Today, the memory of Bolivar is revered throughout South America.