Santander became the president, defeating the followers of Bolivar. The area had a large peasant class and reliance on tenancy. However, slavery declined in the region. The Congress of Cucuta approved the sale and distribution of native land in 1821.
New Granada had a weak economy, with most products made on a small, local scale rather than industrially. It lacked an economic base. Overall, the people had low incomes.
Then, the new president, Jose Ignacio Marquez, who was suppoted by the followers of Bolivar, angered the people by closing convents. This type of controversy led to a two-party system. However, the two parties (Liberals and Conservative) were quite similar and supported the interests of the upper class. The Liberals opposed the power of the church and took power in 1849 while the Conservatives supported the church.
Some minor political parties in Colombia were the Golgotas, which supported the urban artists, and the Draconianos, composed of lower military men.
