The Changing Role of the Military in Colombia

Abstract

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Not forging nations but foraging for them: uncertain collective identities in Gran Colombia*

“…Building on Guerra's insights, the Wars of Independence in Gran Colombia can be seen as a period of foundational fighting, lasting over a decade in many parts of the continent, which catalysed thinking about national identities and provided the necessary heroes, symbols, myths and legends upon which national identities could be constructed in subsequent decades. As J. León Helguera (1961: 351–8) showed, the conditions of independence (in particular the prevalence of officers of Venezuelan origin such as Bolívar occupying high command in the Gran Colombian army) at once established a tradition of civilian government in New Granada in which the military's ‘natural’ place was confined to the parade ground on national holidays. Military experience shaped national identity in the early nineteenth century; this was often a conscious experiment on the part of leaders like Bolívar who wished to create nations, but there were also unintended and unexpected consequences.…”