Both revolutionaries in their own right, George Washington and Simón Bolívar have left an important mark on the American continent. Both men founded nations that still exist today by fighting against an oppressive European power. Both became the first great leaders of new nations. And both are remembered and honored by the people they led. But this begs the question, which man has the greatest impact today and in the history books?

Starting with Washinton, the first U.S. President led the Continental Army against the British Army in the American Revolutionary War. He ensured that the Presidency in the U.S. was not a permanent position by voluntarily stepping down after his term, an idea practically unheard of at the time. He is still in the heart of the American people today as he consistently polls as one of the most popular presidents. The U.S. capital is named after him as well as a state. But he was not ineffable as he was a slave owner (although notably, he was the only Virginian who released his slaves on his deathbed) and did little to solve the issue of slavery despite knowing that this issue would likely tear the nation apart (which it later did).

Bolívar on the other hand is credited with the liberation of Venezuela (his home country), Peru, Ecuador, and Columbia from Spain in addition to the founding of Bolivia. He attempted to unite all of South America into one country, Gran Columbia. But the idea was unreachable and Bolívar’s critics accuse him of “Napoleonic tendencies” as he did look to be the leader of this united country and believed that democracy would not work. But he was a great advocate for equality who believed that the government should be responsible for the people. Although unpopular at the end of his life Bolívar has become a sort of symbol for South American independence and liberty and is still greatly popular today.

Although both men are remembered well by their people, the question stands as to which had the larger impact. Arguably, Washinton has a more lasting impact because the country he founded still exists today while Gran Columbia was nothing but a dream Bolívar could not make a reality. That being said, Bolívar seemingly stuck to his beliefs and values more than Washinton did since Bolívar consistently advocated for equality while Washinton preached liberty while keeping slaves. Both were successful militarily and were skilled leaders but in the end, Bolívar died having failed in his dreams while Washington died in the country he founded.