Simon Bolivar is a prominent political figure of the 19th century. He is known for leading the independence war against the Spanish colonialist rule in Latin America, being the president of Colombia, establishing the three years of dictatorship in Peru, and the abolition of slavery. Bolivars politics was rather controversial. As Helg (2012) notices in the article, even though Bolivar was an adherent of republican ideas, his rule was, nonetheless, authoritarian. Besides, he liquidated colonial privileges and slavery but preserved and supported “the monopoly of power by the white creole elite” (Helg, 2012, p. 12). The present essay examines the article on the rule of Simon Bolivar written by Aline Helg (2012) and presents the main arguments of Bolivars writings.
The most peculiar point expressed in Bolivars essays is that he believed in the superiority of white people. More precisely, from Bolivars point of view, the intellectual excellence of the white population was a tool to gain control over the government in a country that is inhibited by Hispanics and Blacks (Helg, 2012). Therefore, such views on racial superiority substantiate his attitude toward the phenomenon of slavery. For him, slavery was rational and natural because other races were regarded as less capable and intelligent and more dangerous than whites.
Nonetheless, it is curious to notice that Bolivars view on slavery was gradually changing. Shortly after the establishment of the Third Republic of Venezuela, Bolivar enfreedomed local inhabitants (Helg, 2012). Nevertheless, such an action did not illustrate Bolivars insight on the equality of human rights. Instead, the abolition of slavery resulted from the political deal with one of the leaders of the French Revolution, Jerome Petion de Villeneuve. Petition sponsored anti-colonialist expeditions of Bolivar, and emancipation of slaves was a part of the deal (Helg, 2012). What is more, even though Bolivars were claiming that all people have an equal right to be free, a slave and his family members could become enfreedomed only if he entered the patriot army (Helg, 2012). After returning from the expeditions to Venezuela, Bolivar stuck to the same attitude to slavery and freedom was granted only in exchange for military service. From this perspective, it becomes clear that for Simon Bolivar, peoples lives and freedom were a bargaining chip and a means to defeat Spanish colonialists.
At the same time, even though the abolition of slavery was not a gratuitous gift to the citizens, it prevented the possible rebellion of slaves against their owners. The times were changing, and Bolivar had no other choice but to modify his policies. Bolivars writings and actions illustrate his attitude to slavery remains the same. Even though he openly promoted the abolition of slavery after the first quarter of the 19th century, the white creole elite enjoyed the monopoly on political power under Simon Bolivar.
To conclude, the government established by the Venezuelan statesman Simon Bolivar resembles a republican one. However, the equality of citizens is an indispensable part of a full-fledged republican system. Under Bolivar, the idea of total and unconditional equality of citizens seems to be never achieved. Even though the nonwhites constituted most of the population, the vast political power and influence belonged to the small group of privileged white people. Furthermore, the citizenship of the nonwhites was passive and social hierarchy was strongly supported during his presidency.
Reference
Helg, A. (2012). Simón Bolívar’s Republic: a bulwark against the “Tyranny” of the Majority. Revista de Sociologia e Política, 20, 21-37.