Spanish Conflict Quotes
Although Bolivar is generally seen as a great idealist and humanitarian, he had his brutal and immoral aspects. This quotation proves that Bolivar ordered the bloody massacre of helpless Spanish prisoners of war including those in the hospital. Also the beheading illustrates the bitterness and barbarity of the wars for independence from Spain. See {632671} for Bolivar’s rationale for massacring helpless prisoners of war.
Many are surprised that the first Mexican revolutionary leaders were Catholic Priests, because the Catholic Church was always on the side of Spain and against Mexican revolutionary efforts. The church and the state were totally intertwined at the time, so the Church officials supported the government officials and vica verca. However, there were priests who saw the injustice and corruption of the colonial Spanish government, and not only sided with the revolutionists but became revolutionary leaders. These were opposed and usually excommunicated by the Church establishment authorities.