Francisco José de Paula Santander, the «man of laws»

Francisco de Paula Santander

Francisco de Paula Santander is considered one of the most important heroes of the Colombian independence. He was president of New Granada between 1832 and 1837. His historical figure is today widely recognized in Colombia, where you are reminded as "The man of the laws".

In addition to his political and military genius, for which he earned the nickname of "Organizer of Victory", Francisco de Paula Santander was also the promoter of important social advances. He was the creator of the first public education system in Colombia.

Born in Villa del Rosario de Cúcuta on April 2, 1792 in the bosom of a Creole family with a long military tradition, Francisco de Paula Santander spent his childhood in family plantations of cocoa, sugar cane and

In 1805 he moved to Santa Fe de Bogota (the current Bogotá, capital of the country), to study Political Science and Jurisprudence. At the age of 18 he joined the army to fulfill his military service, just when the process of independence for the Spanish colonies in America began.

Your role in the independence of Colombia

Francisco de Paula Santander was a fervent supporter of the independence cause From the first moment. He enlisted as a volunteer in the National Guard Infantry Battalion where in 1812 he was promoted to the rank of captain.

It was wounded and taken prisoner in the Battle of San Victorino (1813), which confronted the two factions of the independence camp, centralists and federalists. Shortly afterwards, he was released and took over as Major at the command of the army of Simon Bolivar.

He participated in the defense of the Cúcuta Valley against the royalist troops arrived from Spain. Then he organized the withdrawal of his troops after the defeat of Cachirí in February 1816. That same year, in October, he distinguished himself in the Battle of El Yagual. There he led a heroic charge that decided victory for the patriot side.

Hero of Boyacá

Francisco de Paula Santander was one of the architects of the patriot victory in the Battle of Boyacá (1819)

His repeated military actions catapulted him into new promotions. Acting as a Brigadier General at only 27 years old, he led his troops towards the Boyacá victory (1819), after which the definitive success of the Liberation Campaign of New Granada. For these facts he was hailed by his contemporaries as the «Hero of Boyacá».

Santander against Bolívar

After the victory of Boyacá, José de Paula Santander ordered shoot the commander of the Spanish army José María Barreiro along with 38 of his officers. This act was the origin of his first serious confrontation with Simón Bolívar, who considered these executions unnecessary and detrimental to international support for the cause of the Liberators. Underlying this confrontation was a political rivalry that had arisen between the two leaders during the wars for independence and that grew over time.

In 1819, the independence of the Greater Colombia (a state that included present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Panama and Ecuador), Francisco de Paula was named Vice President of the State of Cundinamarca, while Bolívar went on to occupy the role of president.

Greater Colombia

Map of Gran Colombia (1819-1831)

A new disagreement between the two leaders emerged during Bolívar's campaigns in the south. During these, Santander did not provide the material and human resources that were requested. The success of the campaign momentarily buried the disagreements.

In 1826 a new crisis broke out among Bolívar's followers and his detractors, who accused him of exercising power in an authoritarian and arbitrary manner. Among the opponents was Francisco de Paula Santander, who participated in the failed September Conspiracy to overthrow him. Santander was accused of treason and sentenced to death, although he was ultimately pardoned by Bolívar himself.

Francisco de Paula Santander, President of Nueva Granada

In 1830, after the dissolution of Gran Colombia, Francisco José de Paula Santander returned from exile in United States. After the signing of the constitution of the state of New Granada, germ of present-day Colombia, on October 7, 1832 he took the position of Republic President.

In the last years of his life, between 1832 and 1837, Santander focused on developing the foundations of the new state. In the field of economy He promoted the export of agricultural products and sought the monetary uniformity of the country. It also promoted the creation of secular public schools and universities.

Colombian pesos

2.000 Colombian pesos bill

Under his mandate, Nueva Granada (the future Colombia) became the first Spanish-American state to achieve official recognition from the Holy See.

At present, the Departments of Santander and Norte de Santander exist in his honor. Also, in the Palace of Justice of Bogotá there is an inscription where you can read one of his great phrases: «Colombians: Arms have given you Independence. The Laws will give you Freedom ».

The whole country is full of statues, monuments and references to Francisco de Paula Santander. His effigy has also appeared on banknotes of 1, 100, 500 and 1.000 pesos throughout history.


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