Differences between Bolivar and Santander

Although Simon Bolivar and Francisco de Paula Santander worked together to

consolidate our independence, including notable differences they were presented. The
shock of militaristic ideas of Bolivar and civilize of Santander, his detachment was joined
by circumstances such as the separatist attempt to Venezuela between 1826 - 1827,
led by General Jose Antonio Paez, who disobeyed the constitutional order to revolt
against the central government. Santander responded to this event defending the
constitutional legality, while Bolivar, concerned about the unity of the Republic, forgave
this uprising, thus weakening the law.

The struggle between the two grew to know the Bolivarian constitutional project in 1826,
which sought to end the political anarchy of the Republic and electoral manipulation.
The constitution promulgated a strong centralism and president for life. The
santanderismo, however, defended the idea of a weaker executive, whose president
was elected by limited suffrage. The situation worsened when Bolivar himself dictator
was appointed as a temporary measure of national salvation. This increased the
division. The Bolivarists gained the support of groups interested in avoiding reforms to
the colonial order, while santanderistas dedicated themselves to defend the
constitutional order and reforms that benefited traders.

Faced with these events, supporters of Santander attempt on Bolivar's life in the
conspiracy of September 25, 1828, known as the September night. Santander was
sentenced to death but Bolivar forgave him and changed the sentence to banishment.