Colombia

Early Spanish Colonization (1500s)

In the early 16th century, Spanish conquistadors arrived in what is now Colombia, drawn by tales of wealth and fertile lands. By the 1530s, they had captured the Muisca Confederation, one of the most organized and populous indigenous groups in the region. The conquest culminated in the founding of Santa Fe de Bogotá in 1538, which quickly became a central colonial hub and the capital of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. This new territory, encompassing present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama, became integral to Spain’s American empire. Yet beneath the colonial structure lay a deeply divided society, where indigenous communities and Africans brought as slaves were exploited to enrich the Spanish Crown, and even locally born Spaniards, known as Creoles, found their rights limited. This inequity laid the groundwork for a desire for change that would flourish in the years to come.

The Bourbon Reforms and Enlightenment (18th Century)

By the 18th century, the Spanish monarchy implemented a series of changes known as the Bourbon Reforms, aimed at streamlining colonial administration, strengthening royal control, and maximizing economic gains from the colonies. However, these reforms increased taxation and limited the political autonomy of local elites, leading to frustration among the Creoles who bore much of the financial burden without representation. The seeds of discontent were sown as Enlightenment ideas, advocating for liberty and equality, spread through New Granada’s cities, reaching scholars, wealthy Creoles, and some mestizos. Inspired by the American and French Revolutions, intellectuals began to question Spanish rule, laying the ideological groundwork for independence.

Political Instability and Initial Uprisings (1808-1810)

The push for independence accelerated in 1808 when Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Spain and replaced King Ferdinand VII with his brother, Joseph Bonaparte. Spain’s forced abdication shocked its colonies, casting doubt on the legitimacy of colonial rule. New Granada, far from Spain but bound to its authority, saw an opportunity for self-governance. Citizens, inspired by growing ideas of liberty, began forming local councils or juntas, aiming to govern independently until Spain could restore legitimate rule. Tensions heightened, and the colonies felt an increasing sense of unity and purpose, gradually recognizing their potential for self-determination.

On July 20, 1810, a minor incident triggered a historical turning point in Bogotá. In what came to be known as the Florero de Llorente incident, Creoles requested a flower vase from a Spanish merchant, sparking an argument that symbolized larger issues of colonial resentment and disrespect. The dispute quickly escalated into a popular uprising, and the people of Bogotá, fed up with colonial oppression, rallied in the streets. By the end of the day, they established a local junta, effectively proclaiming their autonomy. This day would become Colombia’s official Independence Day, the start of a decade-long struggle for freedom from Spain.

The Formation of the United Provinces (1811)

After July 20, various provinces of New Granada followed Bogotá’s lead and declared independence, forming the United Provinces of New Granada in 1811. However, this newfound republic faced challenges, as internal conflicts erupted between federalists, who favored local autonomy for each province, and centralists, who sought a more unified and powerful national government. This division weakened the independence movement, hindering efforts to resist Spanish rule and providing Spain an opportunity to regain control.

The Spanish Reconquest (1815-1816)

By 1815, Spain, now partially recovered from internal chaos, launched an expedition to reclaim New Granada. King Ferdinand VII dispatched General Pablo Morillo to crush the independence movement, resulting in what became known as the "Pacification" campaign, or the Régimen del Terror. Morillo’s forces used extreme measures to suppress revolutionaries, ruthlessly executing independence supporters and imprisoning many more. Leading figures such as Camilo Torres and José María Carbonell were killed, and this brutal crackdown temporarily extinguished the flames of freedom. Yet, a determined resistance persisted, fueled by the memories of those who had sacrificed their lives.

Bolívar's Return and the Fight for Liberation (1819)

Despite setbacks, many revolutionaries went into exile or adopted guerrilla tactics to continue the fight. Among them was the renowned Venezuelan leader Simón Bolívar. Driven by a vision of a unified South America, Bolívar had already been instrumental in liberating Venezuela and now turned his attention to New Granada. His return ignited a renewed liberation campaign, supported by fellow patriot Francisco de Paula Santander. In 1819, Bolívar and his forces undertook the daring journey across the Andes, braving harsh conditions to surprise Spanish forces stationed in New Granada.

The liberation campaign reached a crucial moment on August 7, 1819, at the Battle of Boyacá. Bolívar's army, though smaller and less equipped than the Spanish forces, achieved a significant victory by defeating the royalist troops. This victory secured New Granada’s independence and marked a turning point in the struggle against colonial rule. Celebrated as one of Bolívar’s greatest triumphs, the Battle of Boyacá laid the foundation for independence not only in Colombia but across northern South America.

Establishment of Gran Colombia (1819)

With independence won, Bolívar established Gran Colombia, a federation uniting present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama, with himself as its first president. This ambitious republic embodied Bolívar’s dream of a united Latin America, free from colonial rule. Despite initial success, regional and political differences eventually weakened the federation, leading to its dissolution in 1831. Still, Gran Colombia’s short-lived existence laid the groundwork for the modern nations of South America and inspired future generations to pursue unity and liberty.

Simón Bolívar’s leadership was pivotal, but he was not alone. Antonio Nariño, a progressive intellectual and Creole leader known as the “Precursor of Colombian Independence,” had earlier translated and distributed the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, spreading revolutionary ideas throughout New Granada. Although he faced imprisonment and opposition, Nariño’s influence inspired many, making him one of the country’s most celebrated heroes.

The Final Defeats and Independence (1821-1822)

The Cúcuta Congress convened in 1821 to draft the Constitution of Gran Colombia, officially declaring the region’s independence from Spain and establishing the political framework for the new republic. The independence movement gained further momentum in 1822 when Bolívar’s forces, alongside those of Antonio José de Sucre, defeated Spanish troops in Quito, securing northern South America’s independence. By the end of 1822, most Spanish forces had been expelled, marking a decisive end to colonial rule.

Modern-Day Celebrations of Independence Day

Today, Colombia’s Independence Day is celebrated each July 20, marking the nation’s first declaration of autonomy. Although the Battle of Boyacá on August 7, 1819, ensured Colombia’s ultimate freedom, July 20 honors the beginning of the journey toward independence. Celebrations include military parades, cultural festivities, and public tributes to heroes like Bolívar and Nariño. The Colombian flag, with its iconic yellow, blue, and red colors, is proudly displayed across the nation, and the national anthem, Oh Gloria Inmarcesible, is sung in cities and towns.

In Bogotá, the Plaza de Bolívar becomes a focal point, with ceremonies honoring the liberator. Fireworks, music, and traditional Colombian dance forms such as cumbia and joropo animate the day’s festivities, bringing Colombians together in remembrance of their history and a shared pride in their nation’s resilience. As families gather to enjoy classic Colombian dishes like arepas, empanadas, and ajiaco, they celebrate both the struggle and triumphs that have shaped Colombia’s identity.

Today, Colombia’s Independence Day is more than a historical commemoration—it’s a tribute to the enduring spirit of a people who fought tirelessly for liberty and a reminder of the power of unity in overcoming adversity.