The orders were to take everything that they can, and burn and ruin everything that they can't take. The idea was to destroy infrastructure completely so as to weaken the southern population and the southern support for the war. They would burn farms and pillage everything leaving nothing standing.
Bolivar hated the fact that political appointees who exercised power were appointed directly by the royalty without taking into consideration the views, or the agenda of the local population, and without involving their vote and voice at all.
He used the excuse of protecting his own nation.
Treaty of Versailles banned Germany from using much armed force,and limit it's army to 100000 men,along with the rules of not allowing navy, air force and limited the amount of heavy weapon.
When Hitler took over Germany,he used the excuse of defending from other nations to start producing weapons, navy and air force again as it was greatly disarmed and unable to protect itself if invasion occur.
Hope it helps!
