Dissolution of Gran Colombia: Causes and Consequences
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The Dissolution of Gran Colombia: Causes and Consequences
Ocaña Convention: Meeting Details
The Ocaña Convention convened in the city of Ocaña and was installed on April 2, 1828.
What Happened at the Ocaña Convention?
This convention saw a clash between Bolivarian supporters, who advocated for the union of Colombia under a centralized government, and the Santandereanos, who favored a federal regime. The Santandereanos were joined by Venezuelan separatists led by Páez, forming a majority. Consequently, the Bolivarians left the convention, leading to its dissolution due to a lack of quorum.
Valencia Congress of Venezuela
On May 6, 1830, the constituent congress of Venezuela met in Valencia, supported by 32 deputies from the provinces of Caracas, Carabobo, Guayana, Cumaná, Barcelona, Mérida, Barinas, and Maracaibo.
Territorial and Political Causes of Dissolution
The dissolution of Gran Colombia was due to several factors:
- Regional traditions and local loyalties
- Federalist sentiments
- Significant distances between regions
- Political rivalry between Republican leaders
- Cultural, psychological, and social differences
- Weak formation of Republican citizens
- Lack of a strong political and administrative structure
Division of the Republic
The Constitution of 1830 adopted a form of central federal governorship.
Human Rights
Key human rights included the right to vote and the right to education.
Legislature
The legislature consisted of two chambers: the Senate, with two senators from each province, and the Representatives, elected at a rate of one per 10,000 people.
Executive Power
Executive power was represented by a president who served a four-year term.
Judiciary
The judiciary consisted of a Superior Court and lower courts.
Trade
Venezuela's cocoa output was subject to taxes and fees, while coffee was exempt. Money was lent to merchants to plant coffee haciendas.
Property Ownership
After the war, property was widely distributed because the Spanish had their property confiscated. Later, the Liberator decreed military assets, through which these goods were distributed according to Army rules. No real estate was accepted by the Liberator.
Landlordism
Landlordism refers to the situation where large extensions of land are held by very few people.
Social Situation
The people were impoverished, the cities were virtually deserted, and the population was primarily focused on rural areas.