Final answer:
Simón Bolívar was unable to unite Gran Colombia due to geographic diversity, regional rivalries, and opposing political ideologies, ultimately leading to the region's fragmentation into Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador. Political chaos and his subsequent resignation and death in 1830 sealed the fate of the union.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why Simón Bolívar Failed to Unite Gran Colombia
Simón Bolívar's dream of uniting the northern portion of South America into a single nation, known as Gran Colombia, faced several insurmountable challenges. The vast geographic diversity, regional rivalries, and the differing visions for governance amongst the newly liberated regions made it difficult to maintain a unified nation post-independence. Additionally, Bolívar's centralist views clashed with federalist sentiments within the region, exacerbating political instability. The disintegration of Gran Colombia into Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador in 1830 was attributed to these internal conflicts and Bolívar's resignation amidst mounting political chaos. He passed away that same year of tuberculosis at the age of 47.
The external geopolitical environment further complicated Bolívar's vision for unity. The United States had its own interests in the region and was hesitant to support the Congress of the Americas proposed by Bolívar. Britain, while not directly involved, managed to secure trade deals that may have influenced regional dynamics. Meanwhile, the struggle for equality and the abolition of slavery in Gran Colombia also added to the complexity and pushed the different territories to pursue their separate paths.