The Forgotten War: Colombia's Defeat in Panama

In 1821, the newly independent Republic of New Granada faced an existential threat from its northern neighbor. Simón Bolívar’s Gran Colombia launched a decisive campaign to annex Panama, a move driven by geopolitical ambition and the desire to secure the isthmus against Spanish reconquest. This episode explores the military strategy led by General José Antonio Anzoátegui and the complex political landscape that followed the conquest. We examine how this brief union reshaped regional power dynamics, the immediate aftermath of the Panamanian declaration of independence, and why the bond between Bogotá and Panama was always fragile. From the battles at La Concepción to the diplomatic maneuvering of Francisco de Paula Santander, we uncover the origins of a relationship that would define South American history for decades.

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