Gran Colombia: A Historical Union and Its Legacy

What countries have taken the place of Gran Colombia on the current map of Latin America?

(a) Colombia and Venezuela

(b) Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama

(c) Colombia and Peru

(d) Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador

Answer:

Gran Colombia, a union of territories established in the 19th century, was replaced by Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador on the contemporary map of Latin America. Panama was also part of this union originally but became independent later on in the 20th century.

Gran Colombia, as depicted on the 1830 map of Latin America, was a significant historical entity that no longer exists on the current map of the region. This union was formed in 1821 and included territories that now make up Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama.

The idea of unification under Gran Colombia was initiated during a meeting in Cúcuta, Colombia, where patriot representatives from Venezuela and New Granada came together. The goal was to create a federative nation encompassing the territories of the Viceroyalty of New Granada, marking a pivotal moment in Latin American revolutionary history.

However, Gran Colombia eventually dissolved, leading to the formation of separate countries. The countries that succeeded Gran Colombia on the current map of Latin America are Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Panama, although originally part of Gran Colombia, later became an independent nation in 1903, after the dissolution of the union in 1831.

It is fascinating to explore the history of Gran Colombia and how it laid the foundation for the modern nations we see today in Latin America. The legacy of this union continues to influence the political and cultural landscape of the region.