The person who pioneered the use of guerilla warfare to defeat the Spanish in South America was Simon Boliviar. Known as "El Libertador" to many in South America, Mr. Boliviar was responsible for helping Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia gain independence from the Spain. It should be noted that guerilla warfare is often employed as a tactic by those who are disadvantaged militarily (out-numbered, inferior weaponry, etc) and the fighting is being conducted on the "home-turf" of the disadvantaged group.