Dissolution of Gran Colombia (1819-1831)
This article discusses the history of the territories of present-day Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador from 1819 to 1831.
Background
Gran Colombia, formed in 1819 by the Fundamental Law of the Congress of Angostura and organized under the 1821 Constitution of Cúcuta, faced internal conflicts that ultimately led to its dissolution. The Convention of Ocaña failed to resolve these issues.
Several factors contributed to the secession of Venezuela and Ecuador. General José Antonio Páez’s military uprising in Venezuela pushed for the convention, highlighting the divide between federalists and centralists. Ecuador, which joined Gran Colombia in 1822, lacked significant representation in constitutional discussions. While there was support for the Cúcuta Constitution, particularly in Guayaquil, both Quito and Venezuela desired a federalist system that granted greater regional autonomy and control over taxation. The Venezuelan military, granted voting rights under the Cúcuta Constitution, expected more regional power. However, in 1827, Congress restricted these voting rights, excluding lower-ranking officers.
In April 1828, representatives met in Ocaña to select a constitutional convention to reform the Cúcuta Constitution. Federalists performed well, leading Bolívar’s supporters to abandon the proceedings, preventing a quorum. This failure to resolve conflict through democratic means foreshadowed future political instability. Despite this, elections were held on July 1, 1828.
Bolívar, determined to preserve Gran Colombia, proposed a new constitution in August 1828, encompassing Peru and Bolivia and establishing a strong central government with a powerful presidency. This move, seen by federalists as a step towards monarchy, sparked an assassination attempt against Bolívar in September 1828. Venezuelan leaders, suspicious of Bolívar’s intentions, decided to separate from Gran Colombia in November 1829, formally announcing their decision in January 1830. Bolívar resigned during the constitutional convention of January 1830 (also known as the Admirable Congress), and his health began to decline.
Following Venezuela’s secession and Bolívar’s resignation, Quito also decided to separate, marking the end of Gran Colombia after 11 years.
Discontent among military and liberal groups led to General Rafael Urdaneta’s dictatorship. Simón Bolívar died in December 1830.
Separation of Venezuela
Venezuela’s separation began with the Cosiata movement in 1826 and culminated in 1830. Internal conflicts and disagreements plagued Gran Colombia from its inception. New Granada, like Quito and Venezuela, faced economic crisis and ongoing conflict with Spain. Establishing a stable republic proved challenging, despite being seen as a necessary counterbalance to the rising power of the United States, a concern of Bolívar’s. These unresolved issues contributed to Gran Colombia’s dissolution.
Dissolution of the Republic of Colombia
Bolívar resigned the presidency on May 4, 1830, leaving Domingo Caycedo as interim president.
On May 6, 1830, a Venezuelan congress met in Valencia. José Antonio Páez declared Venezuela’s autonomy and established regulations for electing a Constituent Congress. Representative José Luis Cabrera stated that a pact with Colombia was impossible as long as Bolívar remained in power.
On May 13, 1830, the Department of the South (Quito) declared independence, forming the Republic of Ecuador. Colombia then consisted of New Granada and Panama (Panama legally belonged to New Granada).
The Republic of Colombia continued until November 21, 1831, under the leadership of Domingo Caycedo (May 4 to June 13, 1830, and May 3 to November 21, 1831), Joaquín de Mosquera (June 13 to September 5, 1830), and Rafael Urdaneta (September 5, 1830, to May 3, 1831).
In 1832, the Republic of New Granada was established, with Francisco de Paula Santander as its president.