Several factors threatened the union of Gran Colombia. First, the geography was not condusive to union because of mountains dividing the country. This made traveling across the country expensive and difficult and strained economic ties across the country.Further, the elite Venezuelan planters disproved of Bolivar's vision of a united Latin American Republic because it conflicted with their economic interests. These planters grew cacao. (See Left)
Then, in 1826, Jose Antonio Paez united with llaneros and caudillos to proclaim revolt. In 1829, so-called popular assemblies formed by these caudillos voted for independence. In this way, Venezuela secedes from Gran Colombia, followed by Ecuador.
GRAN COLOMBIA DIES
