Which leader helped liberate Gran Colombia and other territories like Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador?

• A. Simón Bolívar; he aided the liberation of Gran Colombia and nearby territories
• B. José de San Martín; he aided the liberation of Gran Colombia
• C. Miguel Hidalgo; he aided the liberation of Gran Colombia
• D. Bernardo O'Higgins; he aided the liberation of Gran Colombia

Answer: (B)

Simón Bolívar is the leader who helped liberate Gran Colombia and the surrounding territories. He led decisive campaigns across Venezuela, New Granada (today’s Colombia), and Ecuador, and he worked toward uniting these lands as Gran Colombia. Bolívar’s efforts across the north of South America earned him the title El Libertador, reflecting his pivotal role in achieving independence and regional unity.

José de San Martín was a key liberator in southern South America, freeing Argentina, Chile, and contributing to Peru, but his campaigns did not establish Gran Colombia. Miguel Hidalgo sparked Mexico’s fight for independence, and Bernardo O’Higgins led Chile’s independence movement; neither is associated with liberating Gran Colombia.