Gran Colombia

Gran Colombia is a powerful nation in South America, and the pre-eminent republic in the New World. It is bordered by the Kingdom of Peru, the Empire of Brazil, and the Grand Duchy of Central America.

History

With the conquest of Spain by Napoleon, the Spanish colonies eventually grew in open rebellion. While some nations such as Peru and Argentina were declared monarchies, Gran Colombia was declared a republic under Simon Bolivar.
In 1822, following the Colombian annexation of the territory of Quito, Bolivar met with Argentine Jose de San Martin while the latter was fighting to liberate Peru. Bolivar offered Colombian support, but on the condition that Peru be made a republic and join Gran Colombia. San Martin, having royalist ideologies, refused, and Bolivar returned to Colombia. Peru later become a monarchy under John I.
In 1825, Colombia hosted the Congress of Panama in order to secure its prestige among the growing New World Powers. However, many of those in attendance included the monarchies of North and South America, who had no interest in Bolivar's republic tendencies.
In 1828, Bolivar was forced to resign as his ministers felt he was attempting to amount too much power in the Presidency. Later that year, Colombia had the Convention of Ocana in an attempt to reform the government. Federalism won out, and the republic was decentralized under the Presidency of Francisco de Paula Santander beginning in 1831. Colombia was held together by Santander's guidance and the fear of the powerful monarchies expanding their borders.
This fear of neighboring monarchies grew as Peru and Colombia went to war over border disputes in 1828 to 1829. The war ended in a slight Peruvian victory, with much of the territory of Quito being annexed by the Kingdom of Peru. However, as Peru was unable to hold the entire territory, Gran Colombia managed to retain a large portion in the negotiations.
The tensions further grew as Gran Colombia protested the Partition of Charcas in 1846. This saw the territory of Charcas be partitioned between the Kingdoms of Peru and Argentina and the Empire of Brazil. Gran Colombia's protests went unheeded.
Colombia protested the conviction of American republicans following the Texas Rebellion in 1847. Colombia was among those that argued Texas was a separate territory and therefore could not technically be convicted of treason against America. This protest further hindered relations between America and Colombia.
In 1864, Peru and Chile went to war against Spain over the Chincha Islands. Gran Colombia joined the war on the side of Peru and Chile, and the war ended in a victory for the coalition in 1866.
In 1865, Gran Colombia was suspected of supporting the republican coups against the Empire of Mexico. Though Colombia denied the accusations, they were the first to recognize the republican provisional government, and were silent about the executions of the Imperial Family. Colombia also argued against American intervention and subsequent planting of Miguel as the new emperor, and welcomed a return to republicanism.
In 1868, Colombia supported Cuba in their war for independence, and sent forces to the island. Following the war, Cuba joined Gran Colombia against the protests of America.
During the Third Mexican Civil War, Colombia supported both the Republic of Mexico and the Republic of Rio Grande, while denouncing the establishment of the Grand Duchy of Central America. Colombia offered to host the negotiations in 1871, but since they were still at war with Spain, they were refused in preference to Oregon. Colombia annexed Costa Rica as the territory declined to join the Grand Duchy.
In 1878, Colombia was once again accused of aiding and fostering a republican coups against Pedro II of Brazil. Colombia once again denied the accusations, though diplomatically supported the republican government against the reestablishment of the monarchy.
During the Great War, Gran Colombia supported neutrality in the Congress of Columbia, though sought territory in British Guiana.
Following the Great War and the suppression of French culture in Canada, Colombia became a haven of fleeing Quebecois.

Foreign Relations

Colombia has friendly relations with the Republics of Mexico and Chile, while being competetive against the Kingdom of America.
Beginning at the point of independence of the two, Colombia and Haiti were allies. However, once the latter declared itself a kingdom under the tutelage of America, diplomatic relations were suspended and have not fully recovered.

Founding Date

1819

Alternative Names

Colombia

Demonym

Colombian

Government System

Democracy, Presidential

Power Structure

Federation

Executive Body

Executive power rests with the President, who serves for four years.