*glaces at current map of S. America* ...this doesn't end well does it?

Don't be surprised Bolivar was both a president and a dictator. At the time, the word "dictator" was very positive, and not at all opposed to republican values. It referred to the tradition of Roman Republic, when a dictator was a temporary chief of government with extended powers during a crisis (generally a war). Virtuous dictators like Cincinnatus were celebrated as models for leaders in the Antiquity. Only in the 20th century did the term dictatorship evolve to mean despotism.

"Why let your current job of president get in the way of a good dictatorship?" And thus the history of not-so-pure Latin American presidents was born :P

Gregor mac Gregor... You could not get more stereotypical Scottish name than that... XD

For those of you up on your South American history, you probably noticed San Martin is woefully absent from this episode; if you don't know about him and you dig Bolivar's story I'd recommend looking him up. I plan to mention this in Lies, but basically I originally had him in there but it ended up becoming 8 episodes long with two episodes where Bolivar basically didn't even show up ; _(. So, being a series on Bolivar, we looked at everything and decided San Martin's story would be better for another series or for a couple of one offs when we get a few shorter topics. -JP

It's also important to note about Gregor MacGregor that he was one of the ballsiest conmen in history: he told people in Europe that he ruled a (fake) South American country, then sold them fake land that didn't exist. Many of them actually took the trip to South America and showed up in an unowned and undeveloped stretch of the Amazon where they died.

"Why let your current job as a democratic head of state get in the way of a good dictatorship?" Well, that's a sad way of talking about Venezuela presidents.

Judging by Bolivar's lack of political finesse displayed in previous episodes and the lack of a Grand Colombia on today's map, I'm guessing Bolivar bungles the offer to bring Peru into his union.

For those who wish to know, the revolts in Spain came from a guy named Rafael del Riego, who when a large battalion was sent to suffocate the revolt in the America's with other generals, just decided, that "hey, we are here together, most of us really liked that Constitution of 1812, why don't we make that royal bastard sign it". And to put that in perspective, the king during the war of independence vowed to accept the 1812 Constitution in order to be proclaimed king after the Spanish war for independence , just to, as soon as he was crowned, rejected and persecute most of the people who wrote it or supported it. So people were kind of piss off with him, rightly so. And of course as soon as he was forced to sign it, he started plotting a return to absolute monarch status, with the help of other European kings. So maybe just make him sign the Constitution and hope that he would stay quiet, was not the best idea.

Ever wondered who helped Bolivar? It's simple, it was Walpole

gregor mcgregor, the moon moon of revolutionaries

2:50 EXTREEEEEME BAGPIPING

You really need to do something on the Haitian Revolution at some point.

Bolivar just never gives up, does he? sounds like a proper Roman, in that sense!

So is the story of Bolivar basically him being rich and famous enough to keep trying and failing until he succeeded?

What I think makes this series great is that it is not about a man who seems like a myth. Bolivar has his faults. He makes mistakes, he doesn't always win, and he is an idealist. But what is great is he never gives up, and he learns from every battle. Admiral Yi and his series will always be my favorite, but this one will hold a special place in my heart.

Heh, "Why let X get in the way of Y" returns yet AGAIN!

Greagor Macgreagor is my spirit animal

I have binge watched the entire Extra History playlist. I have never had an interest in history before this. Thanks for making it a good story. Suddenly I care a lot about history!

To win independence for Venezuela, Simón Bolívar realized he needed to free all of South America from Spanish rule.

as a colombian who never had to study latin american history (bc i've done all my schooling internationally) this series is refreshing since it shows a more complicated bolivar. to the ignorant (like me) he is akin to jesus in greatness. a truly flawless leader, but this really shows he was just a human and puts him into perspective. thanks

Gregor Mc Gregor? Now i get the Botty Mc Botty joke.

As someone who never learned a thing about any of this, I really appreciate how organized and focused the series is, that it's kept straight and to the point. I recognize that history is fluidly affected by other surrounding people and actions but... seriously... this was complex enough as a new topic... Linking individual stories is easier for me to conceptualize than watching all ten unfold at once. I'd lose track. All in all, this mini series was really well put together.

Nice you've gotten a why let x stand in the way of y as a catch phrase.

1.- si-MON bo-LEE-Var. 2.- You skipped Páez and Sucre, how dare you? 3.- You added the Essequibo for only one moment. 4.- Income the Argetinians getting angry for not seeing San Martín in here.

This guy jump turn from a bad to not so bad to very bad to good and decent guy in just a few years

Great teaching resources that I've implemented in my EFL classroom here in Colombia.

Can you do your next series on José de San Martín please?

There's something really funny about Bolivar shouting "Attack!" from bed.

0:27 Huh? Well, that's awkward. In Spain what they teach us in history class is that Britain (and Portugal) had helped, yes, but it was mostly an internal endeavor. We even call it the "Spanish War of Independence". As a matter of fact, the civilian uprising was one of the most decisive factors. The word "guerrilla" (which is Spanish for "little war") was coined in this very same war because of it. I think the British role in the liberation of Spain, rather than in Spanish soil, came more from the victories they were having along the other European nations in other fronts, which were weakening Napoleon as a whole. I'm not saying that Britain's role in liberating Spain from Napoleon was insignificant, far from it. But you have made it look as if they kicked him from the country on their own, as if Spain itself did little to nothing.

The Simon Bolivar episodes are getting me through my entire research project. Thank you guys at Extra Credits SO MUCH!

I found this channel a few hours ago... I am bingewatching these and I'd love to see Argentinian history told like this, from the point of view of José de San Martín or maybe Guillermo Brown in one of the best naval battles of southamerican history

Always stop to let your men pick up mistresses

Could you do an episode about the independence of Mexico or other latinamerican countries?

Poor San Martin got left out!

These little history lessons are the best thing I have discovered this year. I love them. Great for long or short car trips in my Roof Inspections business in Melbourne. David Bishop (Blue Sky Roof Inspections).

3:39 "Rather than focusing on the big cities, he had to win the countrysides." Too soon :L Edit - I get the feeling I'm going to be saying this a lot: it's *wordplay,* guys, I'm not saying revolution is the same as an election.

"middle of South American winter" two mistakes there, the first Colombia (former New Granada) is mostly on the northern hemisphere. But the real issue is that that close to the equator there are no seasons other than the rainy and dry season which we call winter and summer respectively, but have nothing to do with the "real" seasons caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis.

Awesome, you guys. There hasn't been an episode of Extra History yet that I haven't enjoyed. Keep up the good work as I can't wait to see the next episode!!

Gregor MacGregor, a Scotsman, you don't say.

I'm so glad you guys mentioned Haiti! I don't think when I was in Colombia was I ever thought about that part, it wasn't until years later that I read about that on my on in the U.S. all of it such an interesting history.

"July: in the middle of South American winter" Oops, Venezuela and Colombia and both north of the Equator. Great series, BTW. Love it.

One of the least known wars outside of Canada = The War of 1812. Make an episode please?

2:47 Hold up, ain’t that the guy who also tricked british investors into thinking there was some island called Poyais?

I thank you guys for this stuff. I'm into history but I most just know stuff from the 20th century. Not into the older stuff but it's still interesting to listen to.

I love how the royalists are becoming unsewn, literally,.

I have a few problems with this episodes. Firstly, England didn't quite kick Napoleon out of Spain; sure, Spain alone couldn't have won, but it was a majoritarily civilian endeavor. For more information, and as a basis for future episodes, spanish writer Perez Galdos wrote "The National Episodes", a series of novels detailing important moments in spanish history.

Would be cool to see some history on Haiti, keep up le good work!

Very interesting and entertaining as always! Thanks!

“Your welcome” -Haiti

I'd never thought I'd the history of my country in Extra History. Thank you guys

Extra Credits i´m venezuelan and i finnaly found a channel to talk about our history as a country so thank you soo much for talking about one of our greatest leaders in our history it means a lot ;D

This is an amazing series! I had heard the name Simon Bolivar before, but I never knew the story.

I think the battle of Pinchincha near Quito took place 3500m above sea level (11,400 ft), not 3500ft like what was said in this video. Great video! Keep them coming.

This is probably my favorite yt channel

Extra Credits - I really hope you guys do the Haitian revolution. Alexander Petion who's mentioned in this episode is a legend in Haitian history and is huge to our culture. It'll be an honor to see it on this channel

8:56 I loved this!

In 1:18 Mexico is missing territory (Texas, California, New Mexico, etc.)

This is just straight-up a Mount&Blade campaign without the save scumming.

If I was from Scotland and I had a son, I would name him Gregor McGregor too. Who wouldn't?

Yay, a new one!

8:50 the word "dictatorship" didn't really mean the same back then though...

Man, this is good. Hearing about my country's past and origins, especially how Bolívar took my home city, it was interesting to listen. You guys are doing a really good job. Any chance you guys might do an Extra History on Che Guevara?

Very interesting and cool as always. However, since this is the History of my country, I feel that certain precisions must be made (I am Colombian). Mostly regarding Francisco de Paula Santander (Colombian). It is true that the relationship between Bolivar and Santander didn't go well, but it wasn't always like that. In fact: a. Santander was not the ruler of New Granada during the 1810s, in fact New Granada (present day Colombia) was in a civil war between 1811 and 1816 (a term that is known as "la Patria Boba" - The silly country) betwen federalist and unitaries. So saying that he did not support Bolívar just cuz is not true (In fact Bolivar has asked him to protect the valley of Cucuta - border with Venezuela) in 1813. b. Santander was the second in command during the liberation campaign in New Granada, he was fundamental in the victories of the two most important battles in the Campaign (Battle of Pantano de Vargas and Battle of Boyacá). In fact it is he who sorrounded the spanish troops in the second battle, capturing the Spanish general and ordering his execution (it is said that Jose María Barreiro, the Spanish general, asked forgiveness claiming the he was a mason, like Santander, but he still ordered his execution climaing that a man is first a citizen, and then a mason). c. While Bolívar was campaigning in Venezuela, Quito, Perú and (as we will see in future episodes I guess) Bolivia, Santander was vice president, in charge of government and responsible of supplying Bolívar with troops, weapons and ammunition (a difficult task since, according to the Constitution of 1821, this was only applicable during internal strife, and not for foreign wars, so Santander had always to justify this supply before Congress). In fact, without this help, I don't think Bolívar could have liberated these teritories. d. Things started to go sour between Bolívar and Santander for ideological purposes. While Santander supported a more federal State, with autonomy (not independence) for New Granada, Venezuela and Quito, Bolívar supported a centralized State, WITH A PRESIDENT FOR LIFE (kinda of a dictatorship if you ask me). This conflict derived in to an attempt of assasination of Bolívar and, although, never proven, and during a trial that violated due procedure, Santander was implicated and condemned to death. The penalty was commuted to exile in the end. During his last years, Bolívar commented that "not fixing his relationship with Santander eventually damaged the country" as Venezuela and Quito proclaimed independence. e. FInally, Santander became the second president of Colombia, made liberal policies and was in charge of restablishing the new State. He rejected the idea of being reelected in 1837. I write all this because I have the awful feeling that Santander is going to be portrayed as the bad guy of this story, while he really was not. He was invaluable for the liberation campaign and, his conflict with Bolívar with came from ideological ideas on the ruling of the country. I love these series, and I am glad that EC is narrating this story, but please, keep a perspective of every person who acted in these events.

8:55 nice call back to the first crusade episode XD

Great series. You should do one about Lautaro!

What I like about bolivar is he's a man that didn't let defeat beat him. He shows what force of will can do

Short comment: The task of Bolivar crossing the Andes (and many others in the Independence War in Colombia) is so respected, that is part of our national anthem: Bolívar cruza el Andes Que riega dos océanos Espadas cual centellas Fulguran en Junín. Centauros indomables Descienden a los llanos Y empieza a presentirse De la epopeya el fin In english (someone surely can provide a better translation) Bolívar crosses the Andes Bathing two oceans Swords like Sparks Shine in Junín. Indomitable Centaurus (Aka Legion of Hell) Raid to the plains Descienden a los llanos And it is began to foretell of the epopeya the end

I really hope ExtraCredits never cover the Napoleonic Wars. There is so much stuff about it but there is nothing of this quality on other topics (like the South Sea Bubble or Simon Bolivar). I love this series because its so unique and talks about history not often taught or easily available

Do a series about the 30 Years War! :D

Bolivar's story is on par with Admiral Yi, but with much of Belisarius's fall.

You seriously got me scaried at minute 2:00

I've never seen an Extra History episode 3 minutes after upload.

Loving this series, seeing as revolutionaries are popular any chance of seeing a series on Giuseppe Garibaldi?

I’m playing EU4 right now and you’re really freaking me out.

Simon bolivar the master of the drop.

You should talk more about Santander, he has an important role in the formation and fall of Gran Colombia.

New episode!

It's cool that you're doing this. I just have one correction to make. When Quito, Nueva Granada and Venezuela united, the name picked for the country was (plain) Colombia, not Gran Colombia. The term was created by historians years later, to differentiate it from the current Republic of Colombia.

I'm sure James will talk about this in Lies, but (according to Wikipedia) Gran Colombia is a name used by modern historians to differentiate it from modern Colombia, but at the time Bolivar just called it Colombia

He was a surprisingly able commander 😆

I love the captions. Battle of "Kara Bobo"

July is not technically the middle of south american winter. It is the middle of the winter in the southern hemisphere, but New Granada is definitely not in the southern hemisphere (it is just north of the correctly named Ecuador as we can see right here).

Simón is a legend.

Not sure how everyone else feels on this topic, but War of the Triple Alliance is a worthwile subject for Extra History, IMHO. I would love to see it explored in this format and also see how all the accounts of the war conflict with each other lol

I realized that your videos are choppy enough that I can render my video and still watch a show without a drop in quality of an episode.

you are forgoting to mention the rol of the general Jose de San Martin in the emancipation of Peru, and the other half of the continent. Bolivar didn't have a so important rol in Peru until after San Martin failed to stabish a Peruvian kingdom

Amazing video, as always. The only problems is that Venezuela's map is totally wrong. During Bolívar's lifetime, Venezuela had more terrain. IIRC it was at the beggining of the XX century that Colombia, Brasil and the United Kingdom stole/bargained for Venezuela's territory and claimed it as their own. Also, July is not "winter" in Venezuela or Colombia, it's summer. Well, "summer", technically some months are colder than others and that's it. The countries at the south of South America do get their cold season at July, but not the ones at the north of South America.

Do a series on Escobar.

You should do one about Genghis khan's early life, people have heard if him and his armies but never his life that turned him into the man he was.

Obviously we kjnow the spoiler here, state building doesn't make a unified state.

I think the best way to describe Bolivar's lifelong quest for revolution lies with these two words: Clown. Fiesta.

Would you guys ever do an Extra History about arts? Maybe music?

I hope i spell it right, im going by memory here... Francois Dominique Tousant, he had a very important role in the Haití Revolution.

2 things: july is winter in south america, but only in the subtropical southern region ( chile argentina and uruguay. The rest is tropical, hence winter is usually the rainy season. Nontheless the andes mountains are usually winter cold all year long in the highest places. 2nd: the last drawing of the newly conquered Peru is a bit inacurate, since back then bolivia was also part of peru (called alto peru) and was also won at the last battle you mentioned.

Excellent spanish pronunciation, except for one part i noticed. Criollo, its spelled more like "Kree o llo." but great job. Id love to voice for an episode if you ever do Morelos or Hidalgo for Mexico, i love the subject since my dad taught me a lot since i was a kid and id be happy to put time aside to help people study such an sad and heartening topics.

Can you do a series on the 19th century Balkans

8:48 Peru was liberated partly by Jose Francisco de San Martin (wanna make a series of vids about him, BTW?) who had driven the Spanish out of Argentina & Chile. San Martin & Bolivar conferred in the city of Guayaquil in present-day Ecuador; the outcome of that conference was that San Martin stepped aside so Bolivar could finish liberating Peru.

The story of these revolutions is a prime example of how history doesn't exist in a vacuum. Many people know that Wellesley liberated the Spanish from the French, but it's not often connected to the South American revolutions.