Peru Next
Now was Bolivar at the height of his power.
He had liberated Venezuela and New Granada. He had founded the Great Republic of Colombia, and had given it a Constitution. He was practically Dictator of the Republic.
He had sent his favourite General, the heroic Antonio de Sucre, to liberate Quito.
Bolivar now turned his eyes toward Peru. In his ambition he dreamed of a Greater Colombia which should include that country.
But there was an obstacle in his way.
Peru had already declared her Independence. The foundations of her Liberty had been laid by another General and another Army. For Jose de San Martin of Argentina, was Peru’s acknowledged Protector.
Then came the Amazing Meeting, as told on page 272.
After that meeting, Bolivar with his Army entered Peru. He combined his forces with those of the Liberating Army of Peru, and with the aid of the valiant Sucre, completed what San Martin had so well begun, and swept away the last vestiges of Spanish power from South America.
So the great struggle for Independence, which had lasted over twenty years, was finished.
But Bolivar was not allowed to enjoy long the fruits of his victories.
We shall see why.