Simon Bolivar led independence movements in six Latin American nations. He was born to a wealthy family in Venezuela and educated in Spain. After leading Venezuela's rebellion in 1810, he fled to Colombia when Spain suppressed the revolt. In 1812, he wrote political manifestos and attacked Spanish forces in Venezuela against orders, gaining his first major victory. By 1813, he had reentered Caracas as dictator and defeated Spanish troops, though they still controlled half of Venezuela and had greater numbers, equipment, and training. The Spanish eventually regained control of Venezuela by the end of 1814 with reinforced troops, despite Bolivar's initial military successes.