Three Chapters on Liberalism in 19th Century Colombia

Sebastian Rodriguez Duran

Advisor: Daniel B Klein, PhD, Department of Economics

Committee Members: Lawrence H. White, Donald Boudreaux, Erik Matson

Buchanan Hall, #D180
November 06, 2024, 03:45 PM to 05:45 PM

Abstract:

The first chapter explores the role of classical-liberal ideas in Colombia from the early nineteenth century to the beginning of the twenty-first century. The story has features common to other Latin American countries: difficult separation from imperial Spain (leaving poor finances), political instability, dysfunctional government, and struggles with the church, along with some enthusiasm for the ideas of Adam Smith, Jean-Baptiste Say, Frédéric Bastiat, and other liberals. In the mid-nineteenth century, the Liberal Party emerged—originally significantly liberal—and became preeminent during Colombia’s liberal period. It peaked in 1863 and introduced a successful episode of free banking that ended by 1885, at which point the times generally turned toward collectivism. Throughout the twentieth century, liberalism has been marginalized in Colombia but never entirely silenced. We tell of the undulations and important individuals and institutions up to the present day.

The second chapter develops on explores the life and contributions of Florentino González (1805–1874), a prominent figure in the liberal movement, in his historical context. Colombia became a focal point for Spanish language debates over political organization and economic development. The liberal movement in Colombia gained prominence, with the formal liberal era spanning 1848 to 1876. The Liberal Party dominated this period, and many reforms were introduced to promote economic liberalization and individual freedoms. Florentino González played a significant role in Colombian politics over a span of almost 50 years, starting a couple of years before his youthful involvement in an 1828 plot to overthrow Simón Bolívar and continuing to González’s death in 1874. Extending over the five decades at the center of the 19th century, González’s career and influence provide valuable insights into the evolution of Colombian liberalism. The study examines González as writer, politician, and advocate for liberal ideals and highlights his importance in shaping the country's liberal era.

The third chapter explores the propagation of liberal economic ideas in the newspaper El Neo- Granadino during 1848–1853. The newspaper explicitly branded itself as “liberal” and used that term for the ideas and reforms it promoted. The newspaper circulated in New Granada, which included what is today Colombia, Panama, and some territories of Venezuela and Ecuador. The study examines the editorial content and thematic emphases of this influential periodical. The newspaper contributed to the dissemination and popularization of liberal ideologies, particularly regarding economic policies and government intervention. El Neo-Granadino used its platform to advocate for economic reforms such as increased trade freedoms and infrastructure development. The study highlights the dual role of the press as a tool for ideological dissemination and as a participant in shaping public discourse and policy orientations. Moreover, the paper concludes by mentioning that there were instances where the newspaper's liberal authors were compelled to compromise liberal values. Many liberal ideals were adjusted in practice to ensure that the political process remained viable, though always within the framework of advocating for a small government ideal. The newspaper influenced the economic trajectory of New Granada in the mid-19th century, while also reflecting the political concessions that often tempered pure liberalism.