Francisco de Paula Santander

It was an honor to battle alonside Santander. He leaded from the frontline and from the office at the same time.Santiago Mariño

Francisco de Paula Santander was a politician, army general and economist from Colombia. He is remembered around the American continent for his actions towards the unity, peace and independence of Colombia, as well as for his actions towards the independence of other nations in the continent and the cooperation and peace lived in the continent during what would be known as the Age of Santander.
Amongst other feats, Santander successfully invaded today's Colombia three times, organized all patriots against the Iberian Empire, made Colombia emerge as the first independent country in the new world, signed peace with the Iberians, led a unification process within Colombia, and essentially settled the bases that propelled the country into the Golden Colombian Era.
Santander was the main figurehead behind the whole idea of an independent federal nation emerging in America, and was too the organizer of the Caracas Revolts of 1749 and 1756.

He was so powerful, yet so benevolent and charming. He seized all control from our hands and we happily allowed him to make Colombia great with it. Antonio Páez

Santander has also been claimed to have been an incredibly humble person, controling everything from behind the scenes and slowly consolidating power while in office while gaining local support and raining troops' morale while in the frontline. He was inconspicuous, charming, benevolent and efficient.

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Credits:
Top image: Francisco de Paula Santander - Colarte.com

Top Image: Francisco de Paula Santander

They broke his leg and his sword, but his spirit was never broken.José Félix Rivas