The Americas

Gran Colombia
AD 1821 - 1831

The republic of Gran Colombia was formed by nationalist hero Simon Bolivar on 28 November 1821 after the fall of the Spanish administration of the colonies and their final loss of the re-established 'Viceroyalty of New Granada'.

Immediately the new administration of Panama, under Colonel Jose del Fabrega, opted to join the republic, while the Mexican empire was soon formed on Panama's northern border. Bolivar became the new state's president between 1821-1830. He also became president of Peru between 1824-1826, and Bolivia in 1825-1826. Trying to prevent the break-up of Gran Colombia, he proclaimed himself dictator on 27 August 1828, but he resigned on 27 April 1830 after an assassination attempt dented his confidence.

The name 'Gran Colombia' (Great Columbia) is one coined after the fact by historians to describe the state which encompassed modern Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela, rather than the territory of a subsequent republic of New Grenada, which held only modern day Colombia and Panama (1831-1858) (and not to be confused with the Caribbean island of Grenada). Gran Columbia also - briefly - included the island of Santo Domingo in 1821-1822.

1821 - 1830

Also president of Peru & Bolivia.

1828 - 1829

In trying to prevent the break-up of Gran Colombia, Simon Bolivar proclaims himself dictator of Bolivia on 27 August 1828, but he resigns on 27 April 1830 after an assassination attempt dents his confidence.

As Bolivar's dream of a united independent state of former colonies crumbles. Peru fights Gran Colombia over the latter's claim that its territory extends beyond the Andes mountain range to the River Amazon, also including the Amazonian basin. The war is ended with the Battle of Tarqui and the Treaty of Gual-Larrea being signed on 22 September. The treaty specifies that the Colombian-Peruvian border is to retain the line it bore under Spanish colonial control. (The later state of Ecuador continues the disagreement.)

Simon Bolivar was proclaimed 'the Liberator' for his work in freeing much of South America from Spanish colonial control, although his attempts to forge a new 'super-state' from the former colonies came to nothing

1830

Internal stresses and strains prove too much for Gran Colombia, so Ecuador, Venezuela and other territories leave, although Panama remains.

1830

Acting president-liberator.

1830

1830 - 1831

Acting president-liberator.

1831

Second term of office as acting president-liberator.

1831

Following the departure of Ecuador and Venezuela from Gran Colombia, in July 1831 General Juan Eligio Alzuru proclaims the independence of Panama. Under Colonel Tomas Herrera, Gran Colombia's military forces defeat and execute Alzuru and forcibly reincorporate Panama. However, the dissolution of Gran Colombia is made official on 21 November 1831 when Ecuador, New Granada, and Venezuela all form new republican governments.