Francisco de Paula Santander

Other names/titles: General
Gender: M
Ethnic origin: White

Biographical details

Born in Cúcuta, Colombia, in 1792, he studied law in the Colegio de San Bartolomé, Bogotá, until disrupted by the independence wars. He joined the military campaign at an early age and gained rapid promotion. Was Vice-President of New Granada (1821-28) and President from 1833-37. He fiercely defended his position in his numerous writings and political letters. Ardiles names his most important work as Su defensa ante la Cámara. (Ardila, 20-22.)

He commissioned his friend, José Domínguez Roche, to write a play about , "La Pola" Salavarrieta, the heroine of Independence. (Ardila, 464, Arciniegas, 690.)

He contributed to Gaceta de Colombia, founded El Patriota and wrote numerous messages, speeches and proclamations.

He became Vice-President of Gran Colombia, 1821-28, under Bolívar, but they had little in common. His "uncompromising liberalism" and "great administrative talents" worsened relations between the two. Santander went into exile from 1828-32. He was President of New Granada 1832-37. (Lynch, xxii)

He died in 1840.

Life Events

Born	1792	He was born in Cúcuta.
Other	1821	He was Vice-President of New Granada (1821-28).
Other	1828	He was in exile from 1828-32.
Other	1832	He was President of Colombia from 1832-37.
Died	1840