The pivotal political leader in leading the independence movement in South America was Simón Bolívar. Active in the early 19th century, Bolívar was instrumental in liberating several countries from Spanish colonial rule, including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Known as "El Libertador," his vision was to create a unified Latin American republic, though this dream was not fully realized. Bolívar's contributions included military strategy and political leadership, which inspired subsequent movements for independence throughout the continent. His legacy remains a symbol of freedom and anti-colonial resistance in Latin America.