Historical Encyclopedia
The struggle for Colombia's independence from Spanish rule was part of a broader movement for the liberation of Spanish colonies in Latin America. This process, which began in the late 18th century, was driven by various political, economic, and social factors that led to discontent with colonial rule and a desire for independence. In Colombia, the fight for independence lasted from 1810 to 1819, when the territory of present-day Colombia became part of Gran Colombia—a federation established under the leadership of Simón Bolívar.
By the end of the 18th century, the Spanish colonies in South America, including Colombia, were under strict control of the Spanish crown. Colonial administration became increasingly centralized, and taxes and trade restrictions caused dissatisfaction among the local population, especially among the creoles—descendants of Spanish settlers born in America. The Spanish monarchy, attempting to restore its finances after wars in Europe, increased taxation and reinforced control over the economic activities of the colonies.
Additional factors were the ideas of the Enlightenment and political changes occurring in Europe and North America. The influence of the French Revolution (1789) and the American War of Independence (1775–1783) inspired many in Latin America to fight for their own freedom. Local elites and educated segments of the population began discussing the possibility of creating an independent state free from Spanish colonial rule.
One of the first significant events on the road to independence was the Communeros uprising in 1781. This uprising began as a result of dissatisfaction with new taxes imposed by the Spanish authorities. Thousands of peasants, craftsmen, and traders joined the Communeros movement, protesting against the colonial government. The uprising was suppressed, but it showed the growing discontent among the population.
In the early 19th century, the situation in Spain changed with Napoleon's invasion in 1808. Spain was occupied by the French, which weakened control over the colonies and caused a political crisis. In the absence of legitimate authority, many colonies began considering the possibility of independence. In 1810, the first disturbances occurred in Santa Fé de Bogotá (modern Bogotá), leading to the establishment of a provisional government and the declaration of independence from Spain.
A key figure in the fight for independence was Simón Bolívar, a Venezuelan revolutionary and military leader who played an important role in liberating many South American countries from Spanish rule. Bolívar began his military campaign for the independence of Venezuela, but his plans encompassed the entire region, including Colombia.
In 1813, Bolívar led a successful campaign known as the Liberation War, during which he liberated several key cities. However, by the end of 1814, royalists (supporters of the Spanish crown) had regained control over some regions. Bolívar was forced to leave Venezuela, but he did not abandon his plans for the liberation of Latin America.
Bolívar focused his efforts on creating a strong army capable of liberating not only Venezuela but also Colombia, Ecuador, and other Spanish colonies. In 1819, he began the campaign in New Granada (modern Colombia). This campaign became decisive in the struggle for Colombia's independence.
One of the most important battles during Bolívar's campaign was the Battle of Boyacá, which took place on August 7, 1819. Bolívar's army, composed of volunteers from different regions of South America, achieved victory over Spanish forces. This battle marked a turning point in the war for independence, as after it, Spanish authority in New Granada began to collapse rapidly.
After the victory at Boyacá, Bolívar and his allies entered Bogotá, which soon became the capital of the liberated state. At the end of 1819, the independence of Gran Colombia was officially proclaimed—a federation that included the territories of modern Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama. Bolívar became the first president of the new state, and his victories over the Spanish continued in other regions.
Besides Bolívar, many other revolutionaries and leaders played important roles in the struggle for Colombia's independence. Notably, Francisco de Paula Santander became Bolívar's right hand and led the forces of independence in New Granada. Santander played a key role in organizing the army and ensuring victory in battles.
Among the national heroes, Policarpa Salavarrieta, known as "La Pola," stands out. She was one of the most prominent women involved in the independence movement. La Pola worked as a spy and conveyed important information to the independence forces. In 1817, she was arrested and executed by the Spanish authorities, becoming a symbol of the struggle for freedom.
After the declaration of independence, Colombia faced numerous challenges. Despite being freed from Spanish rule, the region remained politically unstable. Internal conflicts, power struggles, and various political ideologies divided the new state.
In 1821, the first constitution of Gran Colombia was adopted, laying the foundations for republican governance. However, the federation soon began to face internal problems. Differences in political views between Bolívar and Santander led to a rift among the country's leaders. Bolívar sought to create a centralized state, while Santander advocated for decentralization and greater autonomy for individual regions.
By 1830, Gran Colombia had effectively disintegrated. Venezuela and Ecuador declared their independence, while the territory of modern Colombia continued to exist as a separate state—the Republic of New Granada. Despite these difficulties, the period of independence became a significant milestone in the country's history and laid the groundwork for the formation of a modern state.
The struggle for Colombia's independence left a profound mark on the country's history. This period not only led to liberation from Spanish colonial rule but also laid the foundations for the formation of a national identity. Leaders of the independence movement, such as Simón Bolívar and Francisco de Paula Santander, remain symbols of freedom and heroism for many generations of Colombians.
Despite the political instability and internal conflicts that followed independence, Colombia continued to develop as an independent state. This period also influenced other countries in the region, serving as a catalyst for the struggle for freedom across Latin America.
The independence of Colombia was the result of a complex and lengthy process involving many political and military leaders. The victory in the war for independence not only liberated the country from Spanish rule but also became the foundation for the creation of a new, independent nation. Today, this period is marked as an important chapter in Colombia's history, and its legacy continues to inspire generations in the fight for freedom and justice.