The Beginnings of Colombia

After Venezuela and Ecuador seceded, the remaining portion was called New Granada.

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.

Liberal Control in Colombia (New Granada)

First, the state monopoly on tobacco was eliminated in 1850. Slavery was abolished in 1851. Further, a new constitution was written in 1853, which granted universal male suffrage.

However, the Liberals in control lost the support of artisans when they ignored demands for tariff protection. In 1854, they staged a coup and installed Melo. Liberals and Conservatives joined together to depose him.

The power of the church was limited. Tithes and fueros were eliminated, convents and monasteries were closed, religious orders were ended, and church land was sold.

Another constitution was written in 1863. Under this constitution, there were nine sovereign states composing Colombia. There was a weak central government that united these independent areas.

The Regeneration and Move Toward Stronger Central Government

Rafael Nunez became president in 1879 and was reelected in 1884. He denounced the 1863 constitution, and wrote a new constitution in 1886. Under the new constitution, the formerly sovereign states became dependent departments headed by governors.

Catholicism was declared the official religion, and a strong army was formed. Tariff protection was used to stimulate certain industries. In 1881, a National Bank was established.

This era is termed the Regeneration in Colombia because it signaled the rise of a modern capitalist state. There was also more internal stability.

However, the leaders after Nunez were corrupt, and the Liberals revolted in 1899, leading to the War of Thousand Days.