Gran Colombia Founded: Bolivar's Super-State Unites South America
Gran Colombia was an extraordinary idea held together almost entirely by Simón Bolívar's personal authority — and it started fracturing almost immediately. The federation stretched across modern-day Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador, governed from Bogotá over geography that made communication nearly impossible. Bolívar spent most of his presidency at war, on horseback, somewhere in the territory. Venezuela seceded in 1829. Ecuador followed in 1830. Bolívar died the same year, calling his efforts 'plowing the sea.' The dream lasted nine years. The countries it became are still here.
September 7, 1821
205 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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