356. Liberator of Latin America: Descent Into Tyranny (Part 3)
5/4/202641 min
How did a treacherous trek across the freezing Andes lead to the creation of Gran Colombia? Why did Irish, British and Bengali mercenaries travel across the world to join his fight against the Spanish? How did exile to Haiti change Simón Bolívar’s views on slavery? Get the entire Simón Bolívar miniseries early and ad-free by joining the Empire Club at empirepoduk.com In Episode 3 of our series, William and Anita discuss Simón Bolívar’s legendary military victories, the forgotten combat roles of women in the revolution, and his gradual shift towards autocratic rule. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk Blue Sky: @empirepoduk X: @empirepoduk Assistant Producers: Alfie Rowe and Imogen Marriott Social Producer: Charlie Johnson Editor: Vasco Andrade Producer: Anouska Lewis Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsWilliam Dalrymple· Host0:00
If you want access to bonus episodes, reading lists for every series of Empire, a chat community, discounts for all the books mentioned in the week's podcast, ad-free listening, and a weekly newsletter, sign up to Empire Club at www.empirepoduk.com [upbeat music] Hello, and welcome to Empire with me, Anita Anand. And me, William Dalrymple.
Anita Anand· Host0:34
Now, Willie, last time you should remind people where we were because Simon Bolivar's story, it's true to say it's, it's complicated. Now, in the first episode, I think you were slightly concerned that we were, you know, sort of fangirling maybe over, over him.
William Dalrymple· Host0:49
I thought you were slightly. I thought I was maintaining a, a, a very, very- Well ... kind of clear historical objectivity.
Anita Anand· Host0:56
Well, of course, 'cause you're perfect in every possible way. [laughs] [laughs] Uh, but I think what it is is that, you know, you do have at the beginning a very charismatic and driven young man.
William Dalrymple· Host1:09
Good looking.
Anita Anand· Host1:09
He is that charismatic figure. He is the guy standing on the hill looking out and making this vow. He-- And he will be the man to affect enormous change. Now, in the next two episodes- It gets darker, doesn't it?
William Dalrymple· Host1:19
It does get darker ...
Anita Anand· Host1:20
they get very dark very quickly. So look, that's what we're going to be doing in the next two episodes.
William Dalrymple· Host1:26
And we ended it, I thought, on a particularly interesting note- Yeah ... on the idea