Greetings to you, history-curious adventurer! Get ready to explore the cobblestone streets of Colombian history, an exciting journey through the ages, filled with ancient civilizations, Spanish conquistadors, struggles for independence and 20th-century upheavals. Our journey will be divided into different sections, each delving into a key period of Colombian history. Fasten your seatbelt for a journey packed with details, dates and anecdotes, without unnecessary poetry. Please note: this article summarizes Colombia’s rich history, to give you an overview of the different stages that have shaped this country.
Before 1499
Colombia’s first civilizations: the ancient roots of a nation
Let’s delve into the fascinating origins of Colombia, where the first indigenous civilizations flourished thousands of years ago. 3 peoples in particular laid the foundations of Colombian civilization.
NOTE: civilizations older than these have of course trodden Colombian soil, but many mysteries remain, such as the San Agustín civilization, which is still largely unknown.
San Agustín and the mysterious statues
The San Agustin civilization, located in the mountainous region of present-day Colombia, left an enigmatic legacy in the form of hundreds of stone statues. These statues, carved over 1,000 years ago, are among the oldest monumental works of art on the American continent. They mainly depict human beings, often with enigmatic features such as masks or animal attributes. Each statue is unique, making their precise meaning difficult to decipher.
Despite much research and speculation, the precise meaning of these statues remains an unsolved mystery. What is certain is that they bear witness to the artistic and cultural sophistication of the San Agustin civilization. Today, the San Agustín Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves these fascinating sculptures and attracts visitors from all over the world seeking to unravel the mystery of this ancient civilization.
The Muiscas & Quimbaya, brilliant goldsmiths of the Andes
The Muiscas, living in the Andes highlands, have left an indelible mark on Colombian history. Known for their sophisticated political organization, they flourished between the 9th and 16th centuries. Their society was structured into distinct social classes, with chiefs, priests and skilled craftsmen. The Muiscas were also renowned for their gold craftsmanship, creating pieces of remarkable beauty and artistic complexity.
The Quimbaya civilization was famous for its goldsmithing skills. They created gold pieces of exceptional beauty, including the famous “Poporo Quimbaya”, a goldsmith’s piece depicting a Muisca chief. Their art was both aesthetic and functional, used for ritual and ceremonial purposes.
The Tayronas – Architects of hidden cities in the jungle
On the Caribbean coast, the Tayronas built remarkable cities in the heart of the jungle. Their civilization, which flourished between the 6th and 16th centuries, was characterized by notable advances in agriculture, architecture and engineering. The Tayronas were masters at building agricultural terraces and sophisticated irrigation systems, enabling them to grow a wide variety of crops in difficult environments. Their stone architecture, roads and drainage systems bear witness to their ingenuity and know-how.
Zenúes, masters of art and agriculture
The Zenúes, located in the northern region of Colombia, were renowned for their mastery of art and agriculture. Between the 8th century B.C. and the 16th century A.D., they developed advanced pottery, weaving and goldworking techniques. Their complex art and elaborate designs have been found on pottery and gold objects. In agriculture, the Zenúes perfected innovative farming methods, including the development of flooded land for rice cultivation, demonstrating their advanced understanding of irrigation and natural resource management.
These early civilizations laid the foundations for Colombia’s rich cultural history. Their achievements in art, engineering and agriculture continue to inspire and intrigue researchers and history buffs to this day.
1499 – 1538 / Foundation of New Granada
The arrival of the Spanish in Colombia: a clash of cultures
Dive into one of the most crucial periods in Colombian history, marked by the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors at the turn of the 16th century. This exploration of the Spanish arrival will be divided into three parts, each detailing the circumstances, key players and consequences of this historic moment.
The discovery of Colombian territory (1499-1533)
It all began in 1499, when Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda became the first European to set foot on the Colombian coast. This first interaction marked the beginning of a new era for Colombia. At the time, the Colombian territory was inhabited by a multitude of indigenous cultures, including the Muiscas, Tayronas, Zenúes and Quimbayas, to name but a few. These civilizations possessed a variety of languages, customs and social structures, and were sometimes in competition or conflict with one another.
However, it was in 1538 that Colombian history took a decisive turn with the founding of Santa Fé de Bogotá by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, following the discovery of an important civilization in the highlands of the Cordillera Oriental, the Chibchas, who were later dislodged. The city became the capital of New Granada, the region that today encompasses Colombia (along with Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador).
First contacts: culture shock
The first encounters between the Spanish and the indigenous populations of Colombia were often marked by mistrust, curiosity and culture shock. The natives, witnessing the arrival of these strangers with their shining armor, horses and firearms, were both terrified and intrigued. For their part, the Spaniards encountered customs and languages they didn’t always understand. These misunderstandings sometimes led to violent conflicts, as the two groups distrusted each other.
The consequences of these first contacts were profound and long-lasting. Relations in the early years between Spaniards and natives were “good”. The Europeans founded colonies and established trading posts, which led them to interact more closely with the indigenous populations.
The Quest for El Dorado: the curse of gold
Spain had heard of the fabulous riches of El Dorado, a legendary golden city that might be located somewhere in the Colombian lands. Conquistadors, thirsty for riches, set out to conquer these lands in search of this mythical city. One of the most famous expeditions was that of Jiménez de Quesada, who, in 1537, undertook a perilous crossing of the Andes in search of El Dorado. Unfortunately, they never found the city of gold, but they did leave behind them a legacy of Spanish conquest and domination.
The abundance of this precious metal, along with other natural resources, and a power game between the Spaniards themselves, will condemn the people to a bleak future.
1538 – 1810
The era of Spanish colonization: conquest and legacy
These first contacts laid the foundations for a period of upheaval and transformation in Colombia. They marked the beginning of the colonial era and of cultural interaction between Europe and America. This period was the prelude to a complex history marked by conflict, cultural exchange and profound change for Colombia’s indigenous populations.
Colonization and its consequences (16th-18th centuries)
Over the decades, the Spanish established colonies in Colombia, imposing their authority and culture on the indigenous population. Native lands were often confiscated, and the indigenous populations were subjected to the encomiendas system, a system of laborious exploitation of the natives. The Spaniards also introduced Catholicism, converting (very often by force) the local populations to the Catholic faith. Thus, the Christian religion became an essential part of Colombian identity.
The African slave trade became a key element of the colonial economy, with millions of Africans enslaved and forced to work on sugar plantations and gold mines. The blending of these three groups – Spaniards, indigenous peoples and Africans – laid the foundations for Colombia’s cultural and ethnic diversity.
Finally, it’s important to point out that the Spanish, in addition to bringing slaves, also brought with them diseases totally unknown in the Americas, such as smallpox (and therefore ineffective immune systems), resulting in the deaths of tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of natives.
The legacy of colonization (19th century – today)
The era of Spanish colonization in Colombia has left a legacy deeply rooted in the country’s society and culture. Colombia’s independence from Spain in 1810 marked a turning point, but the effects of colonization are still visible. Spanish has become the dominant language, but indigenous languages have left their mark in many local dialects.
Catholicism continues to be the predominant religion in Colombia, with a mix of indigenous and African religious beliefs and practices persisting. Colombian music, dance and art also reflect this cultural mix, with Spanish, indigenous and African influences.
The legacy of colonization is also visible in the social inequalities that persist in Colombia, with historical divisions between ethnic and economic groups. The exploitation of natural resources, inherited from the colonial era, is a key issue in contemporary Colombian society.
In conclusion, the era of Spanish colonization in Colombia is a complex period of history that has shaped the country we know today. It is marked by cultural interactions, conflicts and profound transformations, and continues to influence the Colombia of today, with its cultural diversity and contemporary challenges.
1810 – 1819
Independence in Colombia: the road to freedom
Let’s discover a crucial period in Colombian history, the early days of independence. This three-part exploration will take you through the whirlwind of events that led to Colombia’s quest for freedom.
Enlightenment influences and revolutionary fervor (18th century – early 19th century)
The idea of independence germinated on Colombian soil under the influence of the ideals of the European Enlightenment. Colombians were exposed to the ideas of Voltaire, Rousseau and Montesquieu through their writings and intellectual discussions. They began to question Spanish domination and aspire to a government based on popular sovereignty and human rights. In 1793, Antonio Nariño, a neo-Grenadino from a wealthy Creole family in Bogotá, undertook the translation and publication of the Declaration of Human Rights. This courageous gesture led to exile and a period of imprisonment that lasted from 1797 to 1803.
The first signs of revolutionary fervor appeared in the early 19th century. Secret societies, such as Los Comuneros, began to form, conspiring against Spanish colonial rule. However, the beginnings of independence were also marked by internal conflicts and differences of opinion on how to achieve independence.
The independence campaign (1810-1819)
On July 20, 1810, a decisive event took place in Bogotá. On that day, a group of Colombian patriots, influenced by revolutionary ideals, proclaimed the independence of New Granada, thus launching the independence campaign. However, independence was far from a linear process. Years of conflicts, battles and political instability followed. Today, July 20 is Colombia’s national holiday.
The“Patria Boba” was an important period in Colombian history, from 1810 to 1816. The term literally means “Beast Country” in Spanish, but is used to describe a period of political disorder and instability that followed New Granada’s attempt to free itself from Spanish rule. During this period, political leaders were unable to agree on a new governmental structure, leading to internal conflict and division. The “Patria Boba” eventually led to the temporary restoration of Spanish power, before the struggle for independence was later successfully resumed. Nevertheless, this period played a key role in Colombia’s independence process, highlighting the challenges of governance and building a free nation.
Simón Bolívar, a young Venezuelan soldier, emerged as one of the key figures of this period. His commitment to South American independence was evident from the moment he called for armed struggle against the Spanish. He succeeded in uniting the various revolutionary factions under a common banner, giving rise to a powerful patriot army. One of Bolívar’s most memorable battles took place at Boyacá in 1819. His forces won a decisive victory.
1819 – 1831 / Great Colombia
A short-lived, visionary union
This great victory marked the beginning of a singular era in the history of Colombia: the era of Greater Colombia, between dreams and failures.
The origins of Greater Colombia (1819)
The history of Gran Colombia began in the early 19th century, when the countries of South America were struggling for independence from Spain. Simón Bolívar, the Libertador, emerged as an emblematic figure in this struggle. In 1819, at the Battle of Boyacá, Bolívar won a decisive victory, paving the way for the creation of Greater Colombia. This union encompassed the present-day territories of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama.
The challenges of Greater Colombia (1819-1831)
Greater Colombia was an ambitious project, based on the ideals of freedom, unity and equality. Simon Bolívar became president of the new nation and set about drafting a constitution. However, the union faced many challenges. Political tensions and regional rivalries were commonplace. Constitutional debates reflected divisions over the form of government, the rights of member states and other crucial issues.
In addition, Bolívar’s expansionist ambitions led him to seek the liberation of other parts of South America, thus extending the borders of Gran Colombia. These extensive military campaigns were costly in terms of lives and resources.
The disintegration of Gran Colombia (1831)
In May 1830, Simón Bolívar wanted to leave the country for Europe. However, he died on December 17, 1830 in Santa Marta, Colombia, at the age of 47, in circumstances shrouded in mystery. Some theories point to tuberculosis, others to poisoning.
Sadly, his death also meant the death of his dream. Greater Colombia could not overcome its internal divisions and persistent regional conflicts. Shortly after his death, the nation collapsed, disintegrating into three distinct entities: Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. Panama later joined Colombia. Each of these nations followed its own political and constitutional path.
Gran Colombia was a bold, visionary but short-lived experiment, reflecting South America’s 19th-century aspirations for freedom and unity. Although the union eventually disintegrated, the legacy of Gran Colombia lives on in the collective memory of the region, recalling the ideal of a united and independent South America. We can still see evidence of this era today in the flags of Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador, which share the same colors: 3 horizontal stripes of yellow, blue and red.
1831 – 1886
The 19th century in Colombia: the era of civil wars
The 19th century in Colombia was a period marked by political upheaval, civil wars and major transformations.
The Republic of New Granada (1831-1858)
After the disintegration of Gran Colombia in 1831, Colombia adopted the name of Republic of New Granada. This period was characterized by growing political instability. Ideological divisions between liberals and conservatives turned into devastating civil wars. The War of the Supremes (1839-1842) was particularly bloody. The country tried to establish several constitutions, but they failed to bring the desired stability.
The Republic of New Granada was also characterized by territorial conflicts with its neighbors, notably Peru and Ecuador. The Colombo-Peruvian War (1832-1833) and the Colombo-Ecuadorian War (1832) marked these tensions. Internal civil wars also marked the country, notably in 1851 and 1854.
The Grenadine Confederation (1858-1863)
The period of the Grenadine Confederation was marked by political tensions and attempts at reconciliation in an unstable Colombia. Here’s a closer look at this crucial stage in Colombian history.
After the transition from the Republic of New Grenada to the Grenadine Confederation in 1858, the aim was to resolve the political conflicts that had torn the country apart for decades. However, deep political divisions persisted, mainly between liberals and conservatives. These two parties regularly clashed over control of the government and fundamental issues such as the separation of church and state.
The years of the Grenadine Confederation were also marked by a series of constitutions, reflecting the quest for political stability. The Constitution of 1858 attempted to create a balance between the executive, legislative and judicial powers, but tensions remained. Moreover, the question of centralization of power was a constant source of disagreement. The regions had their own interests, and often preferred greater autonomy.
One of the most tumultuous moments of this period was the War of the Conventions (1849-1851), which broke out between liberal and conservative factions. Both sides fought to establish their supremacy and impose their political vision. The war ended with the signing of the Convention de Ocaña in 1851, which attempted to reconcile the opposing forces.
However, despite efforts at reconciliation, political divisions persisted and would continue to haunt Colombia for decades. The Grenadine Confederation failed to bring lasting stability, foreshadowing a later era of political instability during the 19th century.
Ultimately, the Grenadine Confederation was an attempt at political reconciliation, but it was hampered by deep divisions and persistent conflict. Colombia continued to be a country plagued by instability, desperately seeking a path to a more stable and prosperous nation.
The United States of Colombia (1863-1886)
The period of the United States of Colombia, from 1863 to 1886, was a time of significant political transitions and economic developments in Colombia. Here’s a closer look at this pivotal period.
When the Grenadine Confederation was transformed into the federal nation of the United States of Colombia in 1863, the leaders’ aim was to create a more centralized state, while preserving a degree of autonomy for the member states. This transition was intended to put an end to the political instability and civil wars that had characterized the previous period.
A key figure in this era was President Rafael Núñez, who governed for several non-consecutive terms and sought to impose a period of “Regeneración” (Regeneration). The aim was to restore order and put an end to political conflicts by strengthening the authority of the central government.
Economically, the United States of Colombia underwent significant changes. The abolition of slavery in 1851 marked an important social turning point, putting an end to an institution that had long prevailed. This had an impact on the country’s labor structure and workforce.
Industrialization and trade developed gradually. The construction of railroads and roads facilitated the movement of goods across the country, strengthening links between regions. Exports of products such as coffee, gold andemeralds contributed to the national economy.
However, despite this economic progress, Colombia continued to face profound social inequalities. The reforms undertaken during this period failed to completely resolve the persistent problems of poverty and social injustice.
1886
The Republic of Colombia: a new nation
In 1863, the Constitution of Rionegro established the United States of Colombia, a federation of nine sovereign states and two territories. By 1885, however, President Rafael Núñez had already begun to promote a centralization of power and advocate a more unified nation. The idea of a Republic of Colombia, with a strong central government, finally came to fruition in 1886 with the promulgation of the new Constitution.
This political change consolidated power at national level, while maintaining a degree of autonomy for the departments. The new constitution also established a powerful president, senate and house of representatives, while maintaining the liberal and conservative parties as the dominant political players.
The creation of the Republic of Colombia marked a turning point in the country’s political history. It laid the foundations for the political structure we know today. However, the period that followed was marked by political tensions, armed conflicts and social upheavals that left deep scars on the nation.
The Republic of Colombia opened a new chapter in the country’s history, but it was also the setting for many of the challenges and conflicts that shaped the Colombian 20th century. This transition was the prelude to a series of events that have marked Colombia in the modern period.
1886 to the present day
The 20th century in Colombia: The modern era
Colombia’s history since 1886 is still marked by major transformations, political and social conflicts, and significant developments. Here’s a detailed overview of these eventful years.
The Republic of Colombia (1886-1903): consolidation of central power
The creation of the Republic of Colombia in 1886 was a major political turning point. This constitution strengthened central power while preserving a degree of autonomy for the departments. It established a powerful president and maintained the liberal and conservative parties as the dominant political players. However, tensions between these two parties persisted, leading to regular political conflicts, including the Thousand Days War.
The Thousand Days’ War (1899-1903): a destructive conflict
The Thousand Days War, which ravaged Colombia from 1899 to 1903, is a dark chapter in Colombian history. The conflict arose from the deep political tensions between the Liberal and Conservative parties, who fought for control of the Colombian government.
The outbreak of war was the result of the election of Conservative President José Manuel Marroquín in 1898, which triggered a revolt by the Liberals. Both sides mobilized large forces, resulting in a series of brutal and bloody battles across the country.
The war left a devastating legacy. Tens of thousands of lives were lost, the Colombian economy was wiped out, and the scars of the conflict ran deep into the country’s social fabric. Rural areas were particularly hard hit, with entire villages destroyed and populations displaced.
The long-term impact of the Thousand Day War was significant. It laid the foundations for the political instability and conflict that characterized Colombian history in the 20th century. Tensions between the liberal and conservative parties persisted, contributing to subsequent political violence. The war reminds us of the importance of finding peaceful solutions to political conflicts, and remains a painful reminder of the destruction they can inflict on a nation.
Today, the Thousand Days War is commemorated as a key event in Colombian history, underlining the need for peace and reconciliation to guarantee a more stable and prosperous future for the country.
The years 1900-1930: instability and authoritarianism
During this period, several authoritarian presidents ruled by decree, seeking to maintain order and stability, but often at the expense of civil liberties. Figures such as Rafael Reyes (1904-1909) and Pedro Nel Ospina (1922-1926) ruled the country with a firm hand, but their regimes drew criticism for their respect for democratic rights.
During this period, Colombia also faced economic challenges, notably the fall in the price of coffee, a key source of income for the country. Rural and urban workers faced difficult conditions, fuelling social movements and strikes.
In 1928, the Banana Plantation Massacre was a tragic event in which workers on banana plantations operated by the United Fruit Company (USA) were violently repressed for demanding better working conditions. This tragedy marked a turning point in workers’ history and aroused international concern. Some reports estimate that over 1,000 people were killed, while others put the figure lower.
The years 1900-1930 in Colombia were a period of instability and authoritarian regimes, marked by political tensions, social revolts and economic challenges. These events influenced the country’s political trajectory and left their mark on Colombian history, reminding us of the challenges the nation faced as it sought to forge a path towards stability and prosperity. TheColombian national anthem was also drawn up in 1920, bearing witness to this difficult past, and state of mind of freedom.
Bogotazo and La Violencia (1940-1950): political violence
The period of Bogotazo and Violencia, which marked Colombia in the 1940s and 1950s, was a dark period of political violence that left deep scars on the Colombian nation. This tumultuous decade was marked by riots, revolts and violent political conflicts.
The triggering event of this period was the assassination of Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, a charismatic popular leader and liberal politician, in 1948. His death triggered the Bogotazo, a series ofviolent riots in Bogotá, during which buildings were burned, property looted and lives lost. This eruption of violence illustrated the deep political and social divisions afflicting the country.
The Bogotazo was followed by a period of widespread political violence known as La Violencia. This period saw the liberal and conservative parties clash, plunging Colombia into a brutal conflict that lasted for years. Massacres, persecution and displacement were commonplace. Independent armed groups, such as liberal guerrillas and conservatives, also took part in the conflict.
Bogotazo and Violencia have left deep scars on Colombian society. Thousands of lives were lost, families were torn apart, and confidence in the political system was shaken. The country suffered severe population displacement, and political divisions persisted for decades.
The long-term impact of Bogotazo and Violencia is still felt in Colombia today. These events shaped Colombian politics in the 20th century, contributing to the political instability and armed conflicts that have marked the country. They also influenced Colombia’s trajectory towards reconciliation and the search for peace.
The Civil War and drug trafficking (1960-2000): conflict and crisis
The period from the 1960s to the 2000s in Colombia was marked by a prolonged civil war and the emergence of drug trafficking as a major factor of conflict and crisis in the country. This tumultuous period had a profound impact on Colombian society and left lasting scars.
The 1960s saw the emergence of guerrilla groups such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC ) and the National Liberation Army (ELN). These groups sought to overthrow the government and fight for social justice. The guerrillas unleashed a devastating civil war that lasted for decades.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Colombia became a major player in the global drug trade, particularly in cocaine. Drug cartels, including the Medellín cartel led by Pablo Escobar, flourished, generating huge profits and fuelling violence in the country. Drug trafficking has had a devastating impact on Colombian society, leading to kidnappings, murders and conflicts with the state.
Civil war and drug trafficking have had serious consequences for the Colombian population. Thousands of civilians were targeted, massive population displacements took place, and the country’s infrastructure was devastated. Colombians have lived in constant fear of violence, and entire regions have been marked by insecurity.
Peace efforts (2000s to present)
The 2000s were marked by unprecedented efforts to put an end to the armed conflicts that had torn Colombia apart for decades. This period was marked by peace negotiations, historic agreements and hopes for national reconciliation.
The most significant event of this period was the signing of thehistoric Peace Agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in 2016. This agreement put an end to half a century of civil war that had claimed thousands of lives. FARC transformed itself into a legal political party, paving the way for a peaceful transition.
Despite these challenges, Colombia has made significant progress in terms of security and development. Rates of violence have fallen, the economy has grown steadily, and political reforms have been implemented to promote social justice.
Peace efforts in Colombia are a testament to the resilience of the Colombian people and their determination to build a more peaceful future. Finding peaceful solutions to armed conflict remains an ongoing challenge, but the agreement with FARC represents an important step towards stability and reconciliation. Colombia continues to face challenges, but the hope for a more peaceful future remains strong.
Conclusion: an eventful history of Colombia
The history of Colombia is a complex saga, rich in events and cultures. From indigenous civilizations to the colonial era, from the struggle for independence to the challenges of the 20th century, Colombia has had an eventful history. Each period has left its mark on the country and its people. We hope this journey through history has given you a better understanding of this captivating nation. Enjoy your journey through time!
