We are born twice: when we come into the world and when we take control of our lives. The empire that suppresses freedom believes itself invincible. The sun never sets on its dominions. It has colonies in Europe, in the Pacific, in Africa, in America. But its currency devalues, its population grows impoverished, its army suffers a crushing defeat at the hands of revolutionary militias, and its colonies rise up. On April 19, 1810, a conspiracy of white Venezuelans in Caracas deposes the captain general sent by the Spanish government—backed by the French invader Joseph Bonaparte—under the mocking pretext of preserving the rights of King Ferdinand VII. The stratagem should not be dismissed: every revolution begins as an attempt at moderate reform that is brutally crushed by those in power. But indecisiveness does not liberate. Fifteen months pass, and the moment of truth arrives.
Free trade and exemption
Regarding taxes, what did the Supreme Junta, established on April 19, 1810, do during this interregnum? It sought to consolidate unity among the provinces, recognizing their federal autonomies. It promoted free trade: allowing the free import of agricultural production tools, eliminating sales and export taxes, exempting indigenous people from tribute, and outlawing the slave trade, but not slavery itself.
Impetuous diplomacy. Internationally, the Junta sent missions to the United States and England. The latter, composed of Andrés Bello, López Méndez, and Simón Bolívar, was financed by the future Liberator. On July 17, 1809, the impetuous young man explained to Sir Richard Wellesley, head of the Foreign Office, the position of the Caracas Junta in defense of the rights of Ferdinand VII, but added that to achieve this, the Cortes of Cádiz had to be rejected. The official objected that the mission's instructions did not extend to the rejection of the Spanish Crown (Parra-Perez, 247). England, interested in free trade, could not act against Spain, its ally in the conflict with Bonaparte.
Preparation of the defense. The diplomatic failure raises fears of armed conflict. The Junta reorganizes the army, which by November 1811 has 23.064 troops, most of them unarmed and led by a class-based officer corps (Febres Cordero, 55). On December 31, 1810, it appoints Francisco de Miranda, whom Bolívar has convinced to return from London, as lieutenant general of the Armies of Venezuela.
Oligarchic representatives. The Junta could prolong its comfortable indecisiveness. Instead, it appeals to the same popular will it invoked on April 19th. Between October and November 1810, it calls for elections. During the colonial period, institutions with a semblance of representation functioned, such as the town councils, but the positions within them ended up being bought and held in perpetuity by the white Venezuelans. The Junta calls for the election of representatives to a Supreme Congress of the United Provinces of Venezuela, with one deputy for every 20.000 voters. But only free citizens over 25 years of age, male, and property owners can vote and be elected. Indigenous people, slaves, people of mixed race, and women are excluded. The fate of the country will be decided by a kind of property owners' club. The plan is for everything to remain the same, except for subjugation to Spain. The rest of the population will decide otherwise.
Oppose all other domination. Upon taking office, the newly elected officials proceed in procession to the Caracas Cathedral, where Archbishop Coll y Prat implores them to “oppose all other domination that seeks to extend sovereignty in these countries, or to prevent their absolute and legitimate independence, when the Confederation of their Provinces deems it convenient (…)” (Pino Iturrieta, 124).
They are agitating in favor of independence.
The elected representatives met in Caracas from March 2, 1811, to form the Supreme Congress of the United Provinces of Venezuela, with 3 deputies from Barcelona, 9 from Barinas, 24 from Caracas, 4 from Cumaná, 1 from Margarita, 3 from Mérida, and 1 from Trujillo. The provinces of Coro, Maracaibo, and Guayana refused to participate. The rebellious residents of Caracas dominated the assembly. The galleries agitated in favor of independence and even threatened their adversaries. (Pino Iturrieta, 126).
Are three hundred years of calm not enough? Alongside this assembly of representatives, another operates: the Patriotic Society, composed of the most fervent advocates of independence. Its deliberations do not produce binding agreements, but they exert such influence that in his famous speech of July 3rd, Simón Bolívar feels compelled to clarify: “It is not that there are two congresses. How can those who best understand the need for unity foster schism? What we want is for that unity to be effective in spurring us on to the glorious undertaking of our freedom. To unite only to rest and sleep in the arms of apathy; yesterday that was weakness, today it is treason.” And then, he cuts the Gordian knot of these deliberations with a memorable harangue: “What should already be decided is being discussed in the National Congress. And what do they say? That we must begin with a confederation. As if we weren't all confederated against foreign tyranny! What does it matter to us whether Spain sells its slaves to Bonaparte, or keeps them, if we are resolved to be free? These doubts are sad effects of the old chains. That great projects must be prepared calmly. Aren't three hundred years of calm enough? Do they want another three hundred?” (Liévano Aguirre, 50).
There was more enlightenment and education than in Caracas. The fiery orator requested that a commission convey his ideas to Congress. These ideas had such an impact that the required debate was held on July 5th. The session was tumultuous; the galleries shouted slogans in favor of autonomy. To dispel any doubts, Francisco de Miranda asserted that in no city in the United States “was there more enlightenment and education than in Caracas.” With the exception of Deputy Maya, everyone declared themselves in favor of total independence. The essential points of the debates were recorded in the Declaration of Independence, which was later drafted by Deputy Juan Germán Roscio and Secretary Isnardi. Francisco de Miranda: “…unfurled the flag of Liberty and Independence as lieutenant general of the Caracas troops…”. Thus ended three hundred years of calm; two hundred years of struggle began.
PS: It's been five weeks now and Cantv hasn't fixed my fiber optic internet outage.
