The Road to War

Abstract

The road to war at El Santuario was the result of the convergence of six often intertwined pathways, discussed in turn here. First, the steep fall in Simón Bolívar’s popularity through 1828. Second, the personal and political crisis suffered by José María Córdova. Third, the trajectory of international war between Peru and Gran Colombia, in particular the roles of Córdova and Daniel O’Leary in experiencing and interpreting that conflict. Fourth, the development of imperial conspiracies against Bolívar in Bogotá. Fifth, the convergence of economic and ecclesiastical support for political rebellion in Antioquia. Finally, the atmosphere of fear and anxiety in Bogotá in late 1829 that predicated a violent response to news of rebellion in the provinces. All of these six pathways were essential to creating the conditions for revolution. Each one could have prevented the bloodshed had they taken another course. At all stages we see imperial influence (particularly Britain, though also the United States and France) in both supporting and resisting those who would rebel at El Santuario.