1813    South American independence leader Simón Bolívar enters Mérida, leading the invasion of Venezuela, and is proclaimed ''El Libertador'' ("The Liberator").

1813    Battle of Bárbula: Simón Bolívar defeats Santiago Bobadilla.

1819    Simón Bolívar triumphs over Spain in the Battle of Boyacá.

1819    Simón Bolívar declares the independence of the Republic of Gran Colombia in Angostura (now Ciudad Bolívar in Venezuela).

1821    The Republic of Gran Colombia (a federation covering much of present day Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador) is established, with Simón Bolívar as the founding President and Francisco de Paula Santander as vice president. thumb

1822    José de San Martín arrives in Guayaquil, Ecuador, to meet with Simón Bolívar.

1823    Simón Bolívar is named President of Peru.