Simon Bolivar

Bolívar issued the Decree of War to the Death, authorizing the execution of all Spaniards who did not actively support independence. This radical measure intensified the Venezuelan War of Independence, leading to brutal reprisals and escalating the conflict.

Bolívar's army defeated Spanish forces at the Battle of Boyacá, securing the independence of New Granada (modern Colombia). This victory was a turning point, leading to the liberation of Bogotá and the creation of Gran Colombia.

Bolívar established the Republic of Gran Colombia, a federation encompassing present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama. He became its first president, aiming to create a unified South American state, but internal divisions later led to its dissolution.

Bolívar convened the Congress of Angostura, where he outlined his vision for a centralized government and a strong executive. The congress drafted a constitution for Gran Colombia and elected Bolívar as president, laying the legal foundation for the new state.