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COMMANDER // 1792–1840

Francisco de Paula Santander

generalColombia4 battles2 wars

Lifespan

1792 – 1840

18001810182018301840Venezuelan War of Independence · 1810-1823Colombian War of Independence · 1810-1825Battle of Cúcuta — February 28, 1813 · New Granada · Venezuelan War of IndependenceBattle of Cachirí — February 22, 1816 · New Granada · Colombian War of IndependenceBattle of Boyacá — August 7, 1819 · Venezuela · Colombian War of IndependenceBattle of Vargas Swamp — July 25, 1819 · Venezuela · Colombian War of Independence

Active service 1813–1819 — 4 battles across 2 wars; first command at age 21.

Profile

Francisco José de Paula Santander y Omaña was a Neogranadine military and political leader who served as Vice-President of Gran Colombia between 1819 and 1826, and was later elected by Congress as the President of the Republic of New Granada between 1832 and 1837. Santander played a pivotal role in the Colombian War of Independence being one of the main leaders of the Patriot forces and helped lead the Patriot Army alongside Simón Bolívar to victory. He is often credited with creating the legal foundations for democracy in Colombia, as well as creating the country's first system of public education. For these reasons he is considered a National Hero in Colombia and has thus commonly been known as "The Man of the Laws" as well as the "Organizer of Victory".

Source · Wikipedia · Q452017

Battles (4)

Last verified June 2026
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