Latin American Independence in Northern South America (Venezuela and Columbia under Bolivar)

  • Jul 1, 1525

    Colonization

    Spain makes their way to Colombia to begin colonization.
  • Battle of Puerto Cabello

    A battle fought during the War on Jenkins' Ear. A defeat of the British forces by Bolivar.
  • Battle of Boyaca

    Simon Bolivar defeated the Spanish in New Granada spurring forth a revolution.
  • Republic of Gran Columbia

    After the win by Bolivar, the Congress of Angostura establishes the republic of Gran Columbia which includes former viceroyalty of New Granada.
  • Bolivar President

    Simon Bolivar returns to Angostura to become the first president of the republic of Columbia.
  • Congress of Cucuta

    The congress elected at Angostura reassembled to form a new constitution. The constitution set up a highly centralized government based on popular representation. It made a bicameral congress with a president and supreme court consisting of 5 magistrates. It allowed for freedom of the children of slaves, freedom of press, inviolability of homes, persons, and correspondence. It codified taxes and set up protection policies for agriculture as well as industry. Lastly it abolished "mita" labor.
  • Battle of Carabobo

    Fight between Bolivar for Venezuela and Spanish Royalists led by Miguel de la Torre
  • Revolt against Gran Colombia

    General Jose Antonio Paez led a Venezualan revolt against Gran Colombia due to the poor rule of Vice President Francisco de Paula Santander.
  • Bolivar Dictator

    Bolivar was tired of the bad job his Vice President was doing, so he declared himself dictator of Gran Colombia to ensure a better rule.
  • Dissolving the Republic

    Venezuela and Ecuador both secede from the republic.
  • Bolivar Resigns

    Simon Bolivar resigned his place as dictator because his health was becoming an issue.
  • Death of Bolivar

    Simon Bolivar died of tuberculosis while attempting to sail to Europe for exile.