The Reception of American Independence in New Granada

Abstract

It is possible to distinguish two distinct phases in the revolutionary process of the United States: an initial confederation phase, and another equally revolutionary federation phase. This latter model is innovative and did not fit into those models contemplated at the time by history or political theory. However, New Granada did not understand that difference between the two models, which was so marked during the first years of independent existence –precisely those examined here– and, consequently, whenever the federal model of the United States was reflected on or spoken about in New Granada, reference was being made to the first confederate model. The hypothesis set forth in this article is that the people of New Granada sought to build a new nation on the basis of the creation of majorities, while the truly innovative character of the American federation system consisted precisely in hindering the creation of majorities because they were considered a threat to the rights of minorities.