1826-1827: The Cosiata Revolution: The first major crisis in Gran Colombia occurred in 1826 when a group of military officers led by José Antonio Páez rebelled against the central government in Bogotá. The rebels, known as the Cosiata, demanded greater autonomy for Venezuela and an end to centralist policies. Although the rebellion was eventually suppressed, it highlighted the growing tensions within the republic.
1828: The Convention of Ocaña: In an effort to address the growing discontent, Simón Bolívar convened a constitutional convention in Ocaña in 1828. The convention quickly became a battleground for different political factions, with federalists advocating for greater regional autonomy and centralists seeking to maintain a strong central government. The convention ended in failure, further deepening the divisions within Gran Colombia.
1829-1830: Secession of Venezuela and Ecuador: In 1829, the Venezuelan Congress declared its independence from Gran Colombia, citing the republic's failure to meet the needs of the Venezuelan people. Venezuela's secession was swiftly followed by Ecuador, which declared its independence in 1830. Both Venezuela and Ecuador established their own separate governments, effectively ending Gran Colombia's existence.
The dissolution of Gran Colombia was a complex process driven by a combination of political, economic, and military factors. Despite the efforts of Simón Bolívar and other leaders, the republic ultimately proved unsustainable due to its vast territory, diverse populations, and conflicting political ideologies. The legacy of Gran Colombia, however, continues to shape the history and identity of the countries that emerged from its dissolution.
