**1819: Simon Bolivar Crosses the Andes**In 1819, during the War of Independence in Northern South America, a stalemate had occurred. Venezuela was exhausted from a decade of war, with patriot and royalist warlords at a standstill. Simón Bolívar, known as "the Liberator," devised a daring plan: he would lead his 2,000-man army across the formidable Andes Mountains to surprise the Spanish stronghold in neighboring New Granada (Colombia). This bold crossing of the frozen Andes would become one of his most daring exploits in the war.**Crossing the Andes:**Bolívar's plans were clear: his army would endure the harsh conditions of the Andes—cold, drenched, battered, and hungry. Some supporters deserted. José Antonio Páez, a top commander, attempted mutiny and eventually left with most of the cavalry. Despite this, Bolívar's leadership inspired others to persevere.**Untold Suffering:**The crossing was particularly brutal, with many of Bolívar’s barely-dressed soldiers, who were primarily indigenous, succumbing to the harsh elements. Food was scarce, with the army resorting to consuming raw horse meat. Hail and snow were constant threats, and by the time the army descended into New Granada, around 2,000 men and women had perished.**What Happened?**The ensuing battle was brief, lasting only two hours. Approximately 200 royalists were killed, and 1,600 were captured, including key officers. On Bolívar’s side, casualties were minimal with 13 killed and 53 wounded. Bolívar secured a decisive victory, entering Bogota without opposition. This victory for New Granada allowed Bolívar to gain further support, enhancing his efforts to expel Spanish forces from Ecuador and Peru. Sure, here's the transcription:"2. According to the reading below, describe the risky action that Simon Bolívar took to try and free his people."

Simón Bolvar, often known as The Liberator or El Libertador, was a Venezuelan soldier and statesman…

1819: Simon Bolivar Crosses the Andes: In 1819, the War of Independence in Northern South America was locked in a stalemate. Venezuela was exhausted from a decade of war, and patriot and royalist warlords had fought each other to a standstill. Simón Bolívar, nicknamed "the Liberator", came up with a brilliant yet seemingly suicidal plan: he would take his | 2,000-man army, cross the mighty Andes, and attack the Spanish where they were least expecting it: in neighboring New Granada (Colombia), where a small Spanish army held the region unopposed. His epic crossing of the frozen Andes would prove to be the most genius of his many daring actions during the war. Crossing the Andes: Bolívar's intentions became clear: the army, drenched, battered and hungry, would have to cross the frigid Andes Mountains. Some of his supporters deserted (left) him: José Antonio Pácz, one of Bolívar's top commanders, tried to mutiny and eventually left with most of the cavalry. Bolívar's leadership held, however, because many of his captains swore they would follow him anywhere. Untold Suffering: The crossing was brutal. Some of Bolívar's soldiers were barely-dressed Indians who quickly succumbed to exposure. They were fed raw meat. Before long, all of the horses and pack animals had been slaughtered for food. The wind whipped them, and hail and snow were frequent. By the time they crossed the pass and |descended into New Granada, some 2,000 men and women had perished. What happened? The battle lasted only two hours: at least two hundred royalists were killed and another 1,600 were captured, including Barreiro and his senior officers. On the patriot side, there were only 13 killed and 53 wounded. It was a tremendous, one-sided victory for Bolívar who marched unopposed into Bogota. New Granada was free, and with money, weapons, and recruits, Venezuela soon followed, allowing Bolívar to eventually move south and attack Spanieh forees in Eeuador and Doru