Venezuela's Independence: From Gran Colombia to Republic
Classified in History
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La Gran Colombia
Before the birth of Venezuela as a republic, it's important to understand that it previously belonged to the Republic of Gran Colombia. There was a president and vice president for Gran Colombia. The territory was divided into the departments of Cundinamarca, Venezuela, and Quito. The capital was Bogotá. The president was Simón Bolívar, the Vice President was Francisco de Paula Santander, and José Antonio Páez was the head of the military department of Venezuela.
La Cosiata
La Cosiata was a departmental opposition that emerged in 1821. Simón Bolívar and José Antonio Páez initiated it with the specific purpose of separating Venezuela from Gran Colombia.
Bolívar's Attempts at Settlement: 1826-1827
Signs of an impending civil war appeared in 1826. Bolívar offered to convene a national convention to decide the fate of Gran Colombia. In 1827, Bolívar returned to Bogotá. The civil war was avoided, but the idea of separation remained.
The Convention of Ocaña
In 1828, the promised Convention met in Ocaña. Separatist attempts occurred all over the large area of Gran Colombia. In Ocaña, there were three groups of delegations:
- Centralists: They wanted a strong central government and continued to support Bolívar.
- Federalists: They wanted to reduce central power and continued to support Santander.
- Independents: They were ready to switch sides as needed.
The Congress of Venezuela: Valencia 1830
On January 13, 1830, Páez declared Venezuela's autonomy and promulgated regulations for the election of the constituent assembly. Elected deputies met in Valencia on May 6, 1830.
Characteristics of the Assembly
- Its policy statement showed an anti-Bolivarian stance.
- It heightened opposition to any attempt to restore the unity of Gran Colombia. The congress legalized the separation from Gran Colombia.
- The national constitution for the new Venezuelan state and the election of officers of the nation took place.
Importance of the Congress of Valencia
The Congress of Valencia had great importance in the organization of the Republic because this assembly established all the legal and political-administrative rules that would govern the new national community. In territorial politics, the existing departments were Venezuela, Zulia, Orinoco, and Maturín. There were eleven provinces: Barinas, Apure, Barcelona, Carabobo, Caracas, Margarita, Coro, Cumaná, Guayana, Mérida, and Maracaibo.