Congress of Cúcuta facts for kids

Here the deputies of New Granada (Colombia) and Venezuela met to sign the Constitution of Cúcuta, which created Gran Colombia.

The Congress of Cúcuta was a very important meeting where a new country called the Republic of Colombia was created. Today, we often call this historical country Gran Colombia because it was much larger than modern Colombia. It included areas that are now Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama.

At this Congress, important leaders were chosen. Simón Bolívar became the first president, and Francisco de Paula Santander was elected vice-president. The main achievement of the Congress was writing the Constitution of Cúcuta, which was the new country's rulebook.

What Was the Congress of Cúcuta?

The city of Cúcuta was a special place for Simón Bolívar's big dream. He wanted to unite many parts of South America into one large country. This idea also aimed to create new political systems. These new systems would replace the old ways of governing that came from 300 years of Spanish rule.

Before 1819, Bolívar and other revolutionaries used the name "Colombia" for all of South America. Bolívar had suggested joining what is now Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador into one nation. This new country would be called Colombia. The borders of this proposed nation were based on old colonial maps. This meant Panama and Ecuador were included, even if they didn't have representatives at the Congress. This was because they were part of the old Viceroyalty of New Granada.

At an earlier meeting, the Congress of Angostura in 1819, the name "Colombia" was first used for this new country. The cities of Bogotá, Caracas, and Quito were chosen as regional capitals. Most of this large new country, Gran Colombia, was already free from Spain when the Congress of Cúcuta began.

Today, places linked to the Congress of Cúcuta, like the House of Santander, are protected. They are important historical sites and are part of the Park of the Great Colombia.

Bolívar Becomes President

This image celebrates the Constitution of Cúcuta, which was created by the Congress.

A very important moment of the Congress of Cúcuta happened on August 30, 1821. This was in the city of Cúcuta. A new constitution had been written. It set up the laws for the new Republic of Colombia. It also decided the country's capital and its borders. Antonio Nariño helped organize this meeting, and Simón Bolívar led it.

On October 3, 1821, at 11 AM, Simón Bolívar entered the meeting room. It was in the church sacristy of Villa del Rosario de Cúcuta. He was with other leaders and his military staff. He sat next to the speaker of the assembly. Everyone stood as he took an oath to become the President of the new Republic of Colombia. This new country included Venezuela and Cundinamarca (the new name for New Granada). After a speech, Bolívar named Santander as Vice-President. Then, the new constitution was read aloud.

Important Decisions and Laws

The Congress of Cúcuta built upon earlier ideas from the Congress of Angostura. These ideas helped create the new country.

The Idea of Gran Colombia

The leaders believed that if Venezuela and New Granada joined together, they would become a much stronger and more successful country. If they stayed separate, it would be harder for them to be truly independent and respected. These ideas led to the "Fundamental Law of the Republic of Colombia."

Here are some key points from this law:

• The Republics of Venezuela and New Granada would unite. Their new name would be the Republic of Colombia.
• The territory would cover the areas of the old Captaincy General of Venezuela and the Viceroyalty of New Granada. This was a huge area!
• Any money owed by the two old republics would become the debt of the new Colombia.
• The country would have a President and a Vice-President.
• Colombia would be divided into three large departments: Venezuela, Quito, and Cundinamarca. Their capitals would be Caracas, Quito, and Bogotá.
• A new capital city for the entire Republic of Colombia would be built. It would be named after "El Libertador" Simón Bolívar.
• The main Congress of Colombia would meet on January 1, 1821, in Villa del Rosario de Cúcuta. This location was chosen because it was central.
• The new constitution for Colombia would be written by this General Congress.
• The flag and symbols of Colombia would be decided by the General Congress. For now, they would use Venezuela's flag and symbols.
• The Republic of Colombia would be officially announced in towns and armies. This was a big celebration!
• The anniversary of this new country would be celebrated every year as a national holiday.

These decisions were made to create a strong, united country.

Images for kids

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  Mural of the Cúcuta Congress by Santiago Martínez Delgado in the Colombian Congress Building.

See also

• House of Santander
• Historic church of Cúcuta
• Park of Gran Colombia
• Cúcuta
• Villa del Rosario
• 1875 Cúcuta earthquake