Colombian Independence Day: Commemorating the Historic 1810 Declaration of Sovereignty from Spanish Colonial Rule

Independence Day commemorates Colombia’s July 20, 1810, historic declaration of freedom from Spanish colonial rule and tyranny

The Colombian War of Independence represents one of the most significant revolutionary movements in South America, marking the end of over three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. This complex historical process, spanning from 1810 to 1825, fundamentally transformed the political landscape of northern South America and established Colombia as the first Spanish colony in the continent to declare independence . The movement's origins, key events, influential figures, and lasting consequences provide a fascinating study of colonial resistance, nationalist awakening, and nation-building.

Historical Background and Political Context

The roots of Colombian independence stretch deep into the colonial period, where tensions between Spanish-born peninsulares and American-born criollos (creoles) created increasing friction within the Viceroyalty of New Granada. Spain's imperial policies systematically excluded criollos from high administrative positions while imposing restrictive trade policies that limited economic development in the colonies . King Charles III's support for American independence in the 1770s-1780s led to increased taxation in Spanish America, sparking discontent that manifested in events like the Revolt of the Comuneros in 1781 .

The political landscape shifted dramatically when Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Spain in 1808, forcing the abdications of King Charles IV and his son Ferdinand VII. Napoleon installed his brother Joseph Bonaparte on the Spanish throne, creating a crisis of legitimacy throughout the empire . While some Spanish elites (afrancesados) supported the new regime hoping for modernization, most colonists rejected French rule and remained loyal to the deposed Ferdinand VII . This power vacuum led to the formation of emergency governments (juntas) across Spanish America that claimed to govern in Ferdinand's name while asserting greater autonomy .

Intellectual currents also fueled independence aspirations. Antonio Nariño's 1794 translation and dissemination of the French Declaration of the Rights of Man spread Enlightenment ideals, while Camilo Torres Tenorio's 1809 "Memorandum of Offenses" (Memorial de Agravios) articulated criollo grievances against Spanish discrimination . Torres argued passionately for equality between Spaniards and Americans within the monarchy, stating: "There is no other way to bring America and Spain together than by giving its people fair representation... Equality! This is a sacred right" . Though suppressed at the time, these ideas circulated widely among educated criollos.

The Spark: The Flower Vase Incident of July 20, 1810

The immediate catalyst for Bogotá's uprising came through what became known as the "Flower Vase Incident" (El Florero de Llorente), a carefully orchestrated provocation by criollo leaders . On the morning of July 20, 1810—a Friday market day when the main square would be crowded—Joaquín Camacho first approached Viceroy Antonio José Amar y Borbón requesting establishment of a governing junta in Bogotá similar to those in other cities. When the Viceroy arrogantly refused, the conspirators moved to Plan B .

Luis de Rubio then visited the shop of Spanish merchant José González Llorente to borrow a flower vase, ostensibly to decorate a dinner honoring Antonio Villavicencio, a criollo commissioner sent from Spain . As anticipated, Llorente refused rudely, reportedly saying he wouldn't lend items to criollos for their gatherings. This provided the perfect pretext—Francisco José de Caldas and Antonio Morales dramatically denounced this "insult to Americans," and conspirators smashed the vase in the street, igniting popular outrage .

The strategic location and timing maximized impact: "It was a Friday, market day, and the main square was full of people" . José María Carbonell actively stirred the crowd while Mayor José Miguel Pey attempted mediation. By afternoon, a People's Junta formed, initially naming the Viceroy as president to maintain appearances, but by July 25 he was arrested and deposed . On July 26, the Junta declared full separation from the Spanish regency, though still nominally loyal to Ferdinand VII .

This event, while not initially aiming for complete independence, marked the decisive break in Spanish authority. As the Colombia Country Brand notes: "Although it was neither the only nor the most decisive revolution, it is considered the official date of independence because it marked the beginning of intense struggles for freedom from Spanish rule" .

The Path to Full Independence (1810-1819)

The period following the July 20 uprising witnessed complex political developments and military conflicts. Initially, the Junta de Santa Fe governed New Granada in Ferdinand VII's name while progressively asserting autonomy . Similar juntas emerged across the viceroyalty, though regions like Panama, Quito, and Santa Marta remained royalist strongholds . This fragmentation reflected both ideological differences and regional rivalries—while some sought complete independence, others wanted reformed autonomy within the Spanish system .

By 1811, more radical factions gained ascendancy. On November 11, Cartagena became the first Colombian city to declare absolute independence, followed by the United Provinces of New Granada—a federalist union of provinces that drafted a constitution in 1811 . However, internal divisions between centralists and federalists, combined with Spanish resistance, led to a royalist resurgence. In 1816, Spanish general Pablo Morillo launched a brutal reconquest (La Pacificación), executing prominent leaders like Camilo Torres and reestablishing colonial control .

The independence movement found salvation through the campaigns of Simón Bolívar. After his 1816 "Admirable Campaign" in Venezuela failed, Bolívar regrouped in the Orinoco basin. There, his forces united with New Granadan guerrillas under Francisco de Paula Santander in the llanos of Casanare . This alliance proved decisive—Bolívar's daring 1819 crossing of the Andes culminated in the pivotal Battle of Boyacá on August 7, where his forces defeated the Spanish under José María Barreiro .

Boyacá's strategic importance cannot be overstated. As the Encyclopedia Britannica notes: "By 1819 arrangements for a regular government were completed... In that same year Bolívar invaded Colombia and decisively defeated the Spanish forces on August 7 at Boyacá" . This victory secured Bogotá and marked the effective end of Spanish control in New Granada, though fighting continued elsewhere until 1825 .

The Gran Colombia Experiment (1819-1830)

Following military success, political consolidation began. The 1819 Congress of Angostura established Gran Colombia—a republic encompassing modern Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama . Bolívar became president with Santander as vice president, governing through a centralized system with regional vice presidents during ongoing campaigns .

The 1821 Congress of Cúcuta formalized Gran Colombia's government, adopting a constitution that balanced Bolívar's authoritarian tendencies with liberal principles . However, the vast territory proved difficult to govern. Regionalism, personalist rivalries, and differing visions of government created tensions. Venezuela's 1826 rebellion under José Antonio Páez exposed these fractures, and despite Bolívar's efforts, "no group loved the republic enough to fight for its existence" .

By 1830, Gran Colombia dissolved into separate nations—Venezuela, Ecuador, and New Granada (modern Colombia and Panama) . Bolívar, disillusioned and ill, resigned and died that December. Santander became president of the rump New Granada, marking the start of Colombia's independent national history .

Social and Cultural Dimensions

The independence movement involved diverse social groups with competing interests. While criollo elites like Bolívar and Santander led politically, the war mobilized all sectors. Mestizos and indigenous groups participated extensively, though their post-independence status improved little . Afro-Colombians, including Admiral José Prudencio Padilla, played crucial military roles, particularly in coastal regions .

Women also contributed significantly, exemplified by figures like Policarpa Salavarrieta ("La Pola"), a spy executed by royalists in 1817 . The war's human cost was staggering—an estimated 400,000 deaths (15% of New Granada's 1810 population) from violence, displacement, and disrupted agriculture .

Cultural expressions reflected the independence ethos. Antonio Nariño's earlier translation of Enlightenment texts planted ideological seeds, while post-independence, leaders promoted education and civic culture to build national identity . However, as Wikipedia notes, Colombia demonstrated contradictory tendencies: "Colombia was the first nation in the Andean area to believe that racial inferiority was the cause of many of its initial problems" while simultaneously making "notable commitment to civil rights during the nineteenth century" .

Legacy and Modern Commemoration

July 20 remains Colombia's national independence day, celebrated with parades, cultural events, and visits to historic sites like Bogotá's Casa del Florero museum, where fragments of the original vase are displayed . The Puente de Boyacá battlefield is a national monument, honoring the decisive 1819 victory .

Internationally, Colombian communities celebrate with festivals—Los Angeles hosts a major Festival Colombiano, while New York's "Independencia Orgullo Colombiano" draws thousands . Traditional foods like bandeja paisa and ajiaco, along with music and dance, feature prominently in celebrations .

Historians debate whether the 1810 junta or the 1819 military victory constitutes "true" independence, but most recognize July 20 as the symbolic beginning of Colombia's sovereign existence . As Kiddle Encyclopedia summarizes: "Today, Colombia celebrates July 20 as its national independence day which broke away from Spanish rule that led the first independent nation of South America as well as the third oldest independent republic in the Western Hemisphere" .

The independence movement's legacy remains contested. While it achieved political separation from Spain, many social hierarchies persisted. Yet, it inspired other Latin American revolutions and established democratic traditions that, despite periodic violence, endure in modern Colombia. The ideals expressed in documents like Torres's "Memorial de Agravios"—equality, self-governance, and justice—continue resonating in Colombian political discourse .

In conclusion, Colombia's path to independence involved not just the dramatic events of July 20, 1810, but a complex fifteen-year struggle that reshaped northern South America. From the calculated provocation of the flower vase incident to Bolívar's military genius and the eventual dissolution of Gran Colombia, this history reflects both the idealism and pragmatism of revolutionary leaders. The resulting nation, while facing ongoing challenges, maintains July 20 as a powerful symbol of its hard-won sovereignty and enduring national identity.

Photo from : Dreamstime.com

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