Ramtin Arablouei and Randa Abdel-Fattah

who was the principal architect of a vision of liberation for Venezuela, was trying desperately to rile up the criollo elite to declare independence.

And keep in mind, Bolívar was from one of the most elite families in Venezuela.

Eventually, he decides to team up with Francisco de Miranda.

But initially, Bolívar is not all that central to this movement.

His initial role was primarily as the scion of a criollo elite family, very much on the sidelines.

Basically, he has money, and his presence is good PR for the movement.

In 1810, Bolívar's status suddenly changes.

He and Miranda stage an uprising against the Spanish, and catching the Spanish off guard, take Caracas.

Venezuela formally declares independence in 1811, but then in 1812, a massive earthquake hits Venezuela, and Spanish priests convince a superstitious population that the earthquake was divine retribution.

So the Spanish are able to rally their troops, recapture important ports, and take back control of the country.

Amid all this chaos, something unexpected happens.

Bolivar, along with a few rebel generals, figure out that Miranda has been trying to broker a deal with the Spanish to end the war, effectively undermining the revolution.

Disgusted by this betrayal, Bolivar decides that they should hand Miranda over to the Spanish.

And in exchange, the Spanish agree to let Bolivar go.

But he's banished from Venezuela and sent into exile.

The revolution has been shut down for the moment.

But by singling him out, the Spanish helped manufacture a new image of Bolívar as the natural replacement for Miranda.

In a sort of accident of history, this guy is now the face of the revolution.

But it turns out Bolívar actually had the traits of a serious leader.

After this first failed revolution, Bolivar is no longer on the sidelines.