Historical Encyclopedia
The formation of guerrilla movements in Colombia is one of the most significant and complex topics in the country's history. Since the early 20th century, guerrilla groups have played an important role in Colombia's political, social, and economic life. These movements arose in response to various factors, including political repression, economic inequality, and social marginalization. In this article, we will examine the main stages of the formation of guerrilla movements in Colombia, their causes, evolution, and consequences.
Before delving into the formation of guerrilla movements, it is important to understand the preceding events. Political instability and economic crises that arose in the early 20th century created conditions for discontent among various layers of society. The main factors contributing to the emergence of guerrilla movements included:
The first guerrilla groups began to take shape in the 1920s when discontent among peasants and workers increased. They organized to protect their rights and interests. One of the first examples of a guerrilla movement is the Workers' Party of Colombia, which emerged in the 1920s and fought for the rights of workers and peasants.
In 1948, after the assassination of liberal leader Jorge Eliecer Gaitán, a wave of violence known as "La Violencia" erupted in the country. This led to the active formation of guerrilla groups such as the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia), which began a struggle against the conservative government.
FARC was founded in 1964 as a response to social and economic inequality in Colombia. This group united peasants, working classes, and students seeking social justice and equality. Inspired by Marxist ideas, FARC began organizing guerrilla actions against the army and police.
FARC's guerrilla tactics included attacks on military installations, hostage-taking, and assaults on local governments. The group quickly expanded its influence and control over significant territories in rural areas, allowing it to create "liberated zones" and build alternative structures of power.
Aside from FARC, other guerrilla movements emerged in Colombia, such as ELN (National Liberation Army) and El Niño. ELN was founded in 1964 and was also based on Marxist ideology, focusing on religious and socio-economic issues. This group employed guerrilla warfare tactics and actively sought to gain the support of peasants and the poor population.
Other organizations, such as M19, emerged in the 1970s and employed more radical methods, including urban actions and terrorism. M19 focused on fighting against corruption and power usurpation, which made it popular among the youth and intelligentsia.
Despite the violence and brutality, guerrilla movements in Colombia garnered significant support among the population. The main reasons for their popularity include:
Guerrilla movements significantly changed Colombian society, affecting various aspects of life. They led to:
Since the late 1980s, peace processes aimed at resolving the conflict and integrating guerrilla groups into the political life of the country began. The first peace negotiations took place in 1982 between the government and FARC, but they did not yield significant results.
In the 1990s, peace processes became more active, and many guerrilla groups began to come out of hiding to participate in the political process. The Constitutional Assembly of 1991, created to revise the constitution, also became a step towards integrating various groups into the political system.
Today, guerrilla movements in Colombia have undergone significant changes. Some groups, such as FARC, have begun the process of demobilization and transformation into a political party following the signing of a peace agreement with the government in 2016. However, other groups continue to operate, using violence and drug trafficking as means to finance their operations.
The formation of guerrilla movements in Colombia is a complex process driven by a multitude of social, economic, and political factors. These movements have become an important part of Colombian history and continue to influence contemporary society. Understanding their origins and evolution allows for a better awareness of the current problems and challenges that Colombia faces. By working on the peace process and reconciliation, the country aims to build a more just and stable future.